Michigan Democrats propose to end lifetime healthcare for legislators

Democratic leaders in the Michigan House and Senate called Tuesday for the elimination of lifetime health care for legislators. Currently, state legislators who are in office for six years are eligible to free lifetime health insurance funded by taxpayers, which costs the state about $5 million a year. In a press release Tuesday morning, the House Democratic Caucus called for an “end this extravagant benefit and bring legislators’ health care more in line with other workers throughout the state.”

In a separate press release, Rep. Barb Byrum said, “People are angry and upset with politicians who are out of touch with the daily struggles and sacrifices they are being forced to make just to make ends meet. Nothing shows just how out of touch Lansing is than this ridiculous taxpayer-funded perk, paid out after only six years of service. When our workers are being downsized or let go after decades of service, there is no reason that lawmakers in Lansing should be provided this.”