Senate passes pension legislation -- SB 1227 heads to House

First, let me thank everyone who called or wrote their Michigan Senator today! Many of you shared your messages with me, and I have to say, I have no idea why the Senate thought this was a good idea......

For more information, go to: http://www.mea.org/

The Senate passed Senate Bill 1227, which would require those who don't retire by October to pay as much as 3 percent more of their salary toward the pension system.

Senate Bill 1227 does not include an increased multiplier, as originally proposed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. It does not include the 30 year cap, nor the removal of dental and vision.

The bill passed with 21 Republican votes and a lone Democratic vote -- one Republican voted against the bill, along with the rest of the Democrats.

The bill now moves on to the House.........I ask again, please call and write your state representatives and urge them to vote no on Senate Bill 1227. Their names, phones, and email information are included below. (use your cell phones and home emails, please)

State Representative Vicki Barnett
Phone: 517-373-1793
Fax: 517-373-8501
vickibarnett@house.mi.gov

State Representative Lisa Brown
Phone: 517-373-1799
Fax: 517-373-8361
lisabrown@house.mi.gov

State Representative Hugh Crawford
Phone: 517-373-0827
Fax: 517-373-5873
hughcrawford@house.mi.gov

State Representative Eileen Kowall
Phone: 517-373-2616
Fax: 517-373-5843
eileenkowall@house.mi.gov