LANSING — This week, Republican legislators are considering efforts to strip away critically important benefits for retired police and firefighters, such as health care. In response, state Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Township) issued the following statement:
“Today’s rally of hundreds of police officers and firefighters shows the devastating impact that certain proposals could have on the health care coverage that our state’s first responders have earned. It emphasizes how important it will be for employees, retirees, local governments and the entire public to have input on legislation going forward. We already know that our state government has been underfunding local governments for years — it is time for the state to bear its responsibility for billions of dollars in shortfalls. A transparent and accessible process that accepts the recommendations of the governor’s task force must be a part of any conversation about retirees’ health care and pensions. I will oppose any legislation that falls short of these expectations and jeopardizes the secure retirement first responders deserve.”