LANSING, MI (WTVB) -Controversial legislation in Lansing to address underfunded benefits programs for retired firefighters cleared both the Michigan House and Senate at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, but without provisions that were strongly opposed by police and fire unions.
Lawmakers say headcounts suggested that the version that would have given the state a hammer to impose solutions on local municipalities would not pass. The new version reverted to a four point plan reached by all the parties involved last summer.
Fred Timner, Director of the Michigan Association of Police said the altered version threatened not only retired police and firefighters, but the widows of slain officers.The trimmed back bills now go to a conference committee, then back to the two houses. If they pass it’s on to the Governor.
