Media Advisory

Dec. 7, 2009

Contact:
Andrea Messinger, amessinger@mml.org
734-669-6318 (O) / 517-230-8379(C)

Matt Bach, mbach@mml.org
734-669-6317 (O) / 734-929-8123 (C)

Local Government Leaders, Police and Fire Officials Demand Common Sense Amendment to PA 312

Reform Would Protect Police and Fire Jobs by Allowing Arbitrators to Consider a Community’s “Ability to Pay”

WHO:
*Michigan Municipal League Executive Director and CEO Dan Gilmartin
*Michigan Municipal League President and Huntington Woods Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Jenks
*State Rep. Joe Haveman, R-Holland
*State Rep. Douglas Geiss, D-Taylor
*Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Township
*Howell Police Chief George Basar
*Lapeer City Manager Dale Kerbyson
*Fenton City Manager Lynn Markland

WHAT:
Local officials urge the Michigan Legislature to pass a common sense amendment to Public Act 312 of 1969, the law regulating contract negotiations with police officers and firefighters.

WHEN:
11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009

WHERE:
Michigan Municipal League, 208 N. Capitol Ave., 1st Floor, Lansing, MI 48933

DETAILS:
Local officials are asking the Michigan Legislature to pass an amendment to PA 312 that would keep more police officers and firefighters on the job by requiring arbitrators to consider a community’s ability to pay first and foremost in contract negotiations. An amendment should also include a definition of "ability to pay." The amendment would protect taxpayers, give local government officials the ability to better manage the largest expenses in their budgets, and protect public safety in Michigan. The common sense amendment, proposed in state House Bill 5325, would not cost the state a dime and would give local governments the opportunity to control their own costs and provide more efficient and effective public safety services. Michigan has lost more than 2,400 firefighters and 2,000 police officers since 2001 and failing to amend PA 312 will mean even fewer emergency personnel on the streets.

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