Bills that would force local governments to boost their funding of employee retirement plans over time are advancing in Michigan's Legislature.
A Republican-controlled Senate committee approved the legislation on 4-1 party-line votes Tuesday. A House panel may vote later in the day.
Gov. Rick Snyder, who supports the bills as a way to address billions of dollars in unfunded pension and health care liabilities, briefed GOP lawmakers behind closed doors.
Police, firefighters and groups representing municipalities oppose the legislation due to concerns over potential state intervention and benefit cuts, and the status of the bills is in doubt in the final weeks of the year.
Panel OKs bills aimed at unfunded retiree plans
