House Passes Emergency Financial Manager Legislation

LANSING (WWJ) -  Ignoring the protests of public employee unions, the Legislature gave its final approval on Tuesday to a measure that strengthens the powers of state-appointed emergency financial managers.

The House followed the lead of the Senate in approving the measure and sending it to Governor Rick Snyder's desk.

The bill broadens the powers of managers appointed to oversee the finances of struggling municipalities and school districts. The bill even allows cities to void public employee union contracts. Financial managers would also have the authority to strip power from locally elected officials.

Democrats and labor unions feel that the bill is tantamount to sanctioning virtual dictatorships.

However, Republicans, who hold the majority in both houses, do not see it that way.

The bill is now awaiting the Governor's signature before it can officially go into effect.