Bills prohibiting public employers from offering domestic partner benefits heads to full state Senate
Public employers would be prohibited from offering health benefits to domestic partners under a pair of bills that cleared a state Senate committee on Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Press reported.
Opponents, including several partners of teachers and university professors, said the bill could hurt the state economically, driving residents out and making it difficult for universities and municipalities to attract the best and brightest workers, according to the report.
The bills were approved by the Republican-controlled Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee in a party line vote, and will head to the full state Senate.
An attempt by Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, to amend the bill to exclude state universities was defeated, also along party lines.
Comments
Ypsi Skunk
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:52 p.m.
Ok, so lets use EMU as an example. I believe at last count, those people (straight and gay) using partner benefits totaled about 20-30 people. Multiply that ratio by the number of people employed by Public employers who actually offer partner benefits and I'm sure you'll find that the number is low. Also, the "value" of the benefits are added onto the employees gross pay, so, now they are paying more taxes to the State and Fed. And I say "value," because most Public employers are self-insured. So, if a partner isn't going to the doctor, it doesn't cost any money. Maybe if the State Republicans are looking to save money, they should introduce a bill that would kick any obese Publicly employed employees off healthcare; I'm sure it would save the taxes payers much more money not having to foot the bill for all the health concerns related to being overweight: stroke, heartaches, diabetes, high blood pressure, and related respiratory problems. Now that would save us tax payers some money!!!
Billy Buchanan
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
Need more info. especially what is considered a domestic partner.
clownfish
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
SO much for local control and keeping the govt out of our lives! govt in the bedroom and out of the boardroom, that is what we need more of!
Will Warner
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 4:22 a.m.
"This is discrimination being encoded into law" Every state that permits two men to marry denies that right to two men who are first cousins. This is discrimination written into the law -- unless a legitimate state interest is served by the prohibition. I can't think of one, and yet it's the law. Discuss...
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 11:23 p.m.
There are good medical reasons to not allow first cousins to marry--just look at the health problems of Europe's in-bred royal families. Good Night and Good Luck
snapshot
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
These government employees just keep giving themselves more and more with total disregard for taxpayers. Then it takes legislators time and energy away from more important things to set things right. Why do these government employees have the power to just implement programs at will and spend taxpayer money on themselves? That doesn't make sense and does not appear to be very "democratic".
clownfish
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:08 p.m.
"Why do these government employees have the power to just implement programs at will and spend taxpayer money on themselves? " They don't. These are rules decided upon by elected boards/regents at the local level. Allegedly this is what the GOP wants, except when it comes to what Other People do with their reproductive organs.
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:28 a.m.
The govt employees don't give or ask for more and more, just the same medical family coverage as other family's coverage. Why doesn't the TP republican party focus on job creation instead of discriminating?
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
This will be an expensive legal issue for a long while IF the Governor signs it. As you know, he vetoed similar budget language related to universities because his legal advisors felt it wasn't legally sound given that that they have constitutional protections on how they address many administrative matters. It could go through the Michigan Courts and then on to the Federal Courts for review before final decisions are made, so don't go celebrating yet if you support this petty, discriminatory, hate filled bill written by right-wing bigots.
Tom Todd
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
Wow this really is a back woods state now.
snoopdog
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.
Good for hunting white tail deer, rabbits and all sort of critters. Common sense folk would consider Ann Arbor back woods in many respects. Good Day
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
The West side always has been!
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
These are the TeaPublicon "values" (or lack thereof): Picking winners and losers. Encoding discrimination into our laws. Inserting their evil big gubbermint into the homes and bedrooms of our citizens. In the name of Jesus of course! Now THIS is their jobs agenda!! A job killing bill that only the delusional will celebrate!
Mike S
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
This is discrimination being encoded into law. Just as the women's suffrage and the civil rights movements led the way, so, too, will the LGBT movement prevail.
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:23 a.m.
Whats your source? Polls after poll shows support for same sex rights, most companies offer domestic partner benefits, etc.
snoopdog
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
ain't no way, the majority are not with you and they don't want their money spent on supporting same sex partnerships. Good Day
zags
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:34 p.m.
No matter how hard you try, republicans, you can't turn the clock back to "the good ole times" of the fifties. but alas, you will keep trying.
hut hut
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
you mean the 1750's don't you?
Heardoc
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
Libs just don't get it -- Thank the lord for decent americans! Keep up the good work Gov Snyder!
Sparty
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 3:50 a.m.
Are there no republican same sex or gay individuals then? Are they all libs as you indicate?
clownfish
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:05 p.m.
How sad that you think other people are not decent because they don't live their lives according to your ideal. Most of the gay people I know are more then decent, they are wonderful.
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:21 a.m.
Decent? Does that mean same sex individuals are not decent?
whatsupwithMI
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
I'm sure that with your wide GOP stance you will find your hero in the next stall.
hut hut
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
God loves everyone equally and without question. I'm no so sure about Snyder.
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:12 p.m.
ah good ole god! If there was a god she would smite thou!
hut hut
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:04 p.m.
and what does this have to do with job creation?
Roadman
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
This is great news! This bill was deemed a top priority of the Michigan Republican Party shortly after their landslide victory in 2010. I was present at one of the sessions of the county GOP executive committee when legislators present discussed this issue and cited the Democratic-appointee controlled Michigan Civil Service Commission as an initial stumbling block to abolishing domestic partner benefits thereby necessitating change enacted by the Michigan Legislature. The political clout of the LGBT community in Michigan has been cut down to size with the GOP controlling the Governor's Office, and both chambers of the Michigan Legislature.
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:20 a.m.
If the Governor signs the bill. He veted similar language in the budget bills.
hut hut
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
This action has nothing to do with creating jobs. In fact it's a job killer. And it's big government control of the rights of local governments to decide their own hiring policies.
heresmine
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
Hmmm. It will be interesting to see how it's worded so the bill only discriminates against same sex partners. I wonder what a husband or wife is if not a "domestic partner."
Basic Bob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 10:02 a.m.
"we must cut off those spousal benefits" That would be consistent. In some cases, the terms of the divorce include continuation of benefits. It makes sense if children are involved.
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
But once they divorce as more than 50% inevitably do, we must cut off those spousal benefits!
Michigan Reader
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 9:50 p.m.
Husbands and wives are spouses. Legally wed. The bill will have I'm sure, a section that has definitions of terms used in the rest of the bill.
hut hut
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 9:20 p.m.
Republicans are the party of big intrusive government telling local officials how to run their business. Why not leave it up to local officials? And how is this going to create jobs?
snoopdog
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 9:14 p.m.
"Opponents, including several partners of teachers and university professors, said the bill could hurt the state economically, driving residents out and making it difficult for universities and municipalities to attract the best and brightest workers, according to the report." Same old tired and worn out rhetoric from the left. If they want to leave the state, they can leave. There are plenty of highly qualifed people ready, willing and able to take these powder puff positions. Get it passed quickly, you have the majority support for certain. Good Day
whatsupwithMI
Fri, Oct 21, 2011 : 1:50 a.m.
Yes snoopy, it is possible for someone to be both professional, qualified, and entry-level. I am not going to guess as to why you are not aware of that fact.
Sparty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:18 a.m.
And how do you know you have majority support for these bills? Same sex rights, marriage, etc. have majority support across the country in poll after poll, most employers offer domestic partner benefits, and when this awful Proposal was first voted on in Michigan the sponsors lied and said their intent was not to take benefits away from anyone. So, what is the source for your claim?
snoopdog
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
"FYI as someone who is in a business recruiting professionals-- we can't find them, even for entry-level jobs." So whatsupwithMI, you try and hire professionals for entry level jobs ? Doubt you have many professionals applying for your entry level openings. Business professionals have left the state because there are no jobs. Not giving health care to same sex partners will not cause a loss of jobs and it will save the taxpayers a lot of money which could well create more jobs. Good Day
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:15 p.m.
The absence of brains is obvious in this legislation!
whatsupwithMI
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
Tell us who Jesus really hates, please, snoopy. FYI as someone who is in a business recruiting professionals-- we can't find them, even for entry-level jobs. Brain-flight has occurred.
Mike
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:18 p.m.
Go to California, oh they're broke even worse than us?
Peter Baker
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.
Is this seriously what our government is working on right now?
Ypsi Skunk
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
Shh, if you listen closely, you can actually hear the sound of babies being aborted. Republicans, wake up, if you really hated abortion and didn't just say so to get elected, then you would be spending everyone waking moment introducing bills to make it illegal, not screwing around with a few hundred public employees' healthcare.
Rork Kuick
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
By Bob's logic, workers accepting greater compensation because they have spouses or kids have their boot on my neck. We compensate them at a higher rate for the same work, based on marital status, and having children. If we all wanted to get married and have exactly the same number of kids it wouldn't be as discriminatory, but as that is not the case, I'm actually perplexed that it is legal. I'm not a lawyer.
Basic Bob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:57 a.m.
The boot heel of the takers feels the same on my neck.
David Briegel
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:17 p.m.
It's not work, it's putting the boot heel of TeaPublicon big gubberment on the neck of our citizens! They are might proud of this one!!
Mike
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:19 p.m.
seriously and about time