By Laura Weber
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-889831.mp3
LANSING, MI – A state Senate panel is continuing discussion of a controversial proposal to require all public employees and teachers to pay at least 20% of their health care benefits.
Audio:
Paul Hense is with the Small Business Association of Michigan. He told lawmakers that business owners are frustrated they have to pay for their own health care, while they see public employees living with comfortable health plans from taxpayer dollars.
"It's not a Cadillac plan, it's a Rolls Royce plan."
Senate Democratic Leader Mike Prusi says public employees have already made concessions over the past few years that have saved the state hundreds of millions of dollars.
"They have doubled their co-pays and their deductibles and their health care plans. It's not a Rolls Royce plan."
Prusi says lawmakers need to be mindful that the Republican proposal is asking public employees to double the sacrifices they have already made.
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