Finally Some Sensible Cuts

House Democrats want to trim lawmakers’ lifetime health care

Legislators are finally doing something about the fact that Michigan has one of the most expensive state governments in the country. This is good news! It’s ridiculous that lawmakers get guaranteed lifetime benefits after serving only 6 years in government. (Actually, they get the benefits after serving 5 years and 9 months … this is to guarantee benefits to those legislators who have to resign from the legislature early in order to run for another office)

I like where this is going …

“House Democratic leaders told reporters that they want to end the legislative perk for future lawmakers. They also want to require current lawmakers and House employees to pay the same health care premiums other state employees pay.

The proposals are part of an effort by House Democratic leaders to cut the House budget by more than 5 percent, a decrease of more than $3 million dollars. They also plan to lay off a handful of House employees and leave empty positions unfilled and cut back on expenses such as office supplies and equipment.”

Now, I’m sorry to hear about employees being laid-off, but these jobs are funded by tax dollars, and frankly, I’ll cut these jobs any day before I’ll cut police, fire, and education. Especially if we’re talking about dorks like Jamie Hope.

Back to the cuts … it’s good to see office supplies and equipment being cut back as well. A friend who works for the state tells me that heat in her building now has to stay at or below 60 degrees … that’s down from 62. Sounds miserable.

My opinion? Continue with the cuts as stated in the article, and in 2 years, fire the Senate and go with a Unicameral legislature. Raise taxes. I’m willing to pay more, if I know the $$ isn’t wasted on something like lifetime benefits for someone who only served 6 years.