667 E. BIG BEAVER, SUITE 205 - TROY, MI. 48083-1413 (248) 524-3200 - FAX (248) 524-2752

For Immediate Release

Contact: Richard Weiler

248-524-3200

 

Michigan Association of Police Organizations SLAMS Senate Bill 7

The Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO), the largest group of certified law enforcement officers in Michigan, today strongly condemned the passage of Senate Bill 7. The bill would cap an employer's contribution to employee health care at 80%. "This bill is patently unfair for two reasons: One, no consideration is given for employee contributions to health care that have already been put on the table by employees. You are punishing those who have already made a good faith effort to help balance difficult budgets. Second, you are asking a new officer to pay the same amount as the Chief of Police for his or her health care. The health care contribution may be ten percent of income for a new officer and two percent of the Chiefs income", said Richard Weiler, President of the Michigan Association of Police Organizations.  "If we continue down this path, new officers will be given a badge,  bullets and a Bridge Card," continued Weiler. " I never thought I would see the day when police officers were viewed as the enemy by Lansing. Any talk of fairness is laughable after today's action."  Map’s members will continue to share with policy makers the examples of police officers who are already contributing 20% toward the cost of employee health care.