The U.S. Senate has rejected the House version of HR 4899, and with it, has also rejected language originally inserted by the House that would mandate collective bargaining of municipalities, counties and states when dealing with public safety employees. The main purpose of which is to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Instead, the Senate sent back to the House its original version of the bill which includes $58.8 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as for veterans programs and disaster relief. It is now hoped that the House will simply accept the Senate version next week before it adjourns for the August recess.
Arnold Weinfeld covers federal issues for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
33f7e97b-2311-4712-a173-a25417902a7e|0|.0
