Michigan public worker health care costs debated

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan lawmakers will continue negotiations on proposals that would require many public employees to pay more of their health insurance costs. The Michigan Senate on Wednesday took a procedural vote that sends legislation to a conference committee. There, lawmakers from the Senate and House will attempt to negotiate a compromise on competing plans. The Republican-led Senate has approved a plan that would require many public employees to pay at least 20 percent of their health insurance premiums. The Republican-led House has approved a plan that would cap the dollar amount a public employer can pay toward health insurance for a public employee. Local governments and school boards could vote to change the requirement so that public employees must cover at least 20 percent of their health insurance costs. Published: Fri, Jul 15, 2011