LANSING –State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today announced that his plan to end lifelong health care for Michigan's future lawmakers passed the House of Representatives. Dean's legislation is part of the House Democrats' plan to cut the state House budget by 5 percent.
"Michigan faces an unprecedented budget crisis," Dean said. "Before we ask our citizens to make sacrifices in order to jumpstart Michigan's economy, I believe lawmakers must lead by example and share in those sacrifices. There is no other profession where six years of service grants you a lifetime of free health care. My plan will put an end to that kind of special treatment."
Dean's plan also requires legislators to shoulder more of the cost of their health care. His plan is part of a larger package recently proposed that will:
- Require current lawmakers to pay more for health care coverage and ensure they pay the same amount for health care that all other state employees pay.
- Increase monthly health care co-pays for State Representatives, their staff members and other legislative workers.
- Cut the budget for the House of Representatives by more than 5 percent, or $3 million.
- Ban the use of state funds for out-of-state travel for State Representatives.
- Cut positions within the House of Representatives to eliminate redundancies.
"This plan shows our citizens that the Legislature isn't going to sit idly by while our working families struggle to make ends meet," Dean said. "House Democrats are committed to resolving this budget crisis, and we believe we should start with our own house – the State House. This is the right thing to do for Michigan's citizens and the right thing to do for Michigan."