LANSING – The Michigan House overwhelmingly passed legislation Tuesday ending the health care benefits lawmakers receive once they reach age 55, but Democrats backed away from earlier statements that the bill would affect those currently serving.

Instead, in passing HB 4194 on a 103-1 vote, the bill would end the benefits for people starting with the crop of newcomers elected in the November general election.

Apparently the move to back away from terminating the benefits came from House Democratic leadership, according to sponsor Rep. Dian Slavens (D-Canton Twp.).

After the vote, she told reporters the bill isn’t as strong as it should be and she would fight to make sure the benefit is ended for everyone.

“It’s a good bill. It doesn’t go far enough. That’s why I’m giving mine up,” she said of voluntarily giving the benefit up should she end up surviving six years in office.

Asked about the reversal in position on the issue, House Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) said it was the second time the House was acting on the measure and if the Senate had taken it up last term than it would have affected those currently holding office.

Matt Marsden, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Rochester), said they will certainly take a look at the bill, but it will take substantial and symbolic reforms to close the $1.6 billion budget deficit.

“We have a comprehensive health care package that creates substantial savings,” he said, referring to the Senate GOP plan to require state employees pay 20 percent of their health care premium.

Dillon said acting on the bill, which was discharged from committee with no floor debate, was a signal of reforms to come. He also told reporters while he had not taken a look at all of the reforms Governor Jennifer Granholm laid out last week, he did like the direction she was going with in terms of providing an incentive for people with 30 years of government service to retire.

Republicans, several of whom also have legislation ending the health care benefits, praised passage of the bill but said more reforms need to be enacted.

“After more than 1,000 days of waiting, I’m glad this reform to end lifetime health care benefits for lawmakers is seeing action,” House Minority Leader Kevin Elsenheimer (R-Kewadin) said. “Michigan needs serious reform, and putting an end to lifetime benefits for legislators is a good first step. This is one reform down, but we have many, many more to do to turn Michigan around.”

Rep. Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy), a sponsor of a similar bill, summed the vote up by saying, “A half a loaf of reform is better than no reform at all. This legislation gets the ball rolling to end lifetime benefits for future lawmakers, but I will still fight to see movement on my legislation to eliminate it for current members too.”

Rep. David Nathan (D-Detroit) was the sole opposing vote. Absent for the vote were Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills), Rep. George Cushingberry Jr. (D-Detroit), Rep. Kate Ebli (D-Monroe), Rep. Tim Moore (R-Farwell) and Rep. Bettie Cook Scott (D-Detroit).

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