Lawmakers resist bills aimed at underfunded retiree plans

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder and top Republican lawmakers on Wednesday were struggling to gain support for bills that would prompt municipalities to better fund their pension and retiree health care plans, as opponents criticized a provision that could ultimately lead to state intervention in communities that are unable or unwilling to act.

The Republican governor said appointing "very limited" emergency financial teams in municipalities would only be a last resort to shore up retirement funding. But critics warned it could lead to the alteration of union contracts and benefit cuts for first responders.

"That is absolutely not acceptable and I will never support it," said GOP Sen.