LANSING, Mich. — Thursday, Michigan Senate Democrats passed a slate of legislation that would provide long-term economic relief to first responders, teachers, corrections officers, and others who are struggling to get by. Previous iterations of these bills were vetoed by the governor on a technicality after House Republicans spent nearly two years and more than $300,000 in taxpayer money fighting to keep financial relief from reaching Michigan families.

“Today’s passage of these nine bills signals our unwavering support for the dedicated workers whose hard work and sacrifice sustain our great state,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “While a lengthy legal battle and veto may have delayed the passage of this quality public policy, it did not diminish its value or our commitment to getting it across the finish line. Let’s finally get this done and deliver the much-needed relief our communities have long been calling for.”

The bills target affordability for Michigan workers and their families in various sectors, including improving retirement benefits for state corrections officers, lowering healthcare costs for local public employees, and protecting assistance and benefit programs from debt collection.

“From day one in the Senate, I have been fighting to stop the squeeze on working families by lowering costs on the things they need and  increasing wages and benefits for the work they do,” said Sen. Chedrick  Greene (D-Saginaw). “My legislation will secure better retirement options — and better industry stability — for our corrections officers. Paired with the other bills passed today, we’re supporting the workers we depend on to keep our communities safe, teach our kids, and care for our loved ones.”

“Michigan Senate Democrats are working their tails off to put Michigan workers first — and anyone running for office should take note, because workers will determine this election,” said Ron Bieber, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO. “This legislation will lower healthcare costs for essential public servants, secure pensions and retirement for public safety professionals, and protect families from aggressive debt collection tactics. It’s about damn time.”

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Senate Bill 1136 (Hertel): Lower health insurance costs for public employees
• Senate Bill 1133–1135 (Cherry, Greene, Shink): Allow for Michigan Dept. of Corrections officers and other law enforcement personnel to opt into the Michigan State Police pension plan
• Senate Bill 1137–1138 (Irwin, Cavanagh): Exempt public assistance from garnishment and update other exemption values
• Senate Bill 1139–1141 (Santana): Allow for millage questions on ballots to support operations of history museums

“At a time when the cost of just about everything is going up, and wages are failing to keep up with rampant inflation, working families are struggling to make ends meet. And for our teachers, police officers, and firefighters, outdated laws are making matters worse — forcing them to spend more of their hard-earned paychecks on health insurance,” said Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “Michiganders deserve some relief, and that’s what this legislation is — a commonsense step to put more money back in the pockets of the people who work hard to serve our community.”

These bills now head to the Michigan House for their consideration.