Privatization plan at vets home stopped by judge

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- A judge has barred the state of Michigan from giving more work to a private contractor at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. The injunction also prevents the layoff of state employees who are health-care aides. Gov. Rick Snyder wants to privatize certain services to save money, but critics say the plan could harm residents. Ingham County Judge Paula Manderfield signed the order last Friday, saying the injunction is in the "public interest." WOOD-TV reports the attorney general's office plans to appeal. The home has 758 beds for veterans and many of its workers are represented by a union. A doctor last week testified that an abrupt change in personnel would affect the physical and mental health of residents. Published: Fri, Oct 21, 2011