Snyder signs bill to fund state retiree benefits

Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed legislation to ensure funding for state retiree benefits.

Senate Bill 683, sponsored by state Sen. Roger Kahn, includes fiscal year 2012 supplemental appropriations to ensure other post-employment benefits for retirees from several state departments. The $306.3 million total includes health, dental and visual benefits as well as life insurance coverage. The bill now is Public Act 64.

S.B. 685, sponsored by state Sen. John Proos, protects Michigan farmers from substantial crop damage by allowing more shooters for each out-of-season deer kill permit. Up to 15 shooters will be allowed on one permit. The bill now is P.A. 65.

House Bill 4618, sponsored by state Rep. Margaret O'Brien, ensures that a Portage nonprofit home for the elderly and disabled benefits from simplified tax language. The home missed a 2010 property tax deadline to secure its deserved exemption as a nonprofit housing unit, and this legislation allows the housing unit's owners to take advantage of filing language that has since been simplified. The bill now is P.A. 66.

Published: Thu, Mar 29, 2012