On a largely partisan vote, a Senate measure to prevent state benefits for employees’ same-sex partners failed in the House on Thursday by a 66-41 margin – short of the two-thirds majority needed to override a state Civil Service Commission decision. The Civil Service Commission last month agreed to extend health benefits to live-in partners, prompting loud objections from many Republican lawmakers.
According to MichiganVotes.org, here’s the roll call for the Macomb County delegation:
Rep. Anthony Forlini, R-Harrison Twp., Yes
Rep. Jon Switalski, D-Warren, No
Rep. Lesia Liss, D-Warren, No
Rep. Jeff Farrington, R-Utica, Yes
Rep. Marilyn Lane, D-Fraser, No
Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, R-Richmond, Yes
Rep. Ken Goike, R-Ray Township, Yes
Rep. Pete Lund, R-Shelby Township, Yes
Rep. Harold Haugh, D-Roseville, No
In other action, a House bill that would ban putting union stewards on the public payroll passed by a 59-47 tally. The legislation would outlaw labor contract provisions that that pay employees who are union officials for time they spend on the job conducting union business.
The practice of paying those who double as union stewards for the time they spend on union business is common in the private sector, especially among large companies.In many cases, that means full-time duties for the union, with the steward’s paycheck provided by the employer.
In the public sector, many school districts give in-house union officials full teacher salary and benefits but do not require them to teach or perform any other educational function. Reportedly the city of Detroit pays $4 million annually to these union officials.
The votes among the Macomb reps on this bill matched the above roll call, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed.
