LaSata Opposing Municipal Pension Reform Plan

State Representative Kim LaSata has come out against a municipal pension reform plan backed by Governor Rick Snyder. She tells WSJM News the rising costs of health care, pensions, and other benefits for retirees from local governments are unsustainable with estimated unfunded future costs approaching $20 billion across Michigan. However, she says this problem should not be fixed in a way that could threaten the pensions of police and fire personnel.

“I want to make sure that if they were promised a benefit, they get that benefit,” LaSata said.

The legislation being discussed this week would prod municipalities to better fund their pension and health care plans. The Snyder administration says reforms are needed to avoid future problems. LaSata says she’s always promised to protect first responders, and she can’t back the plan in its current form.