Judge upholds most aspects of benefits law

LANSING (AP) -- A judge has upheld most aspects of a new law requiring Michigan public school employees to pay more for their pensions. MLive.com reports Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina last Thursday rejected broader challenges from teachers unions that the law is rife with unconstitutional provisions and contract violations. Her ruling mostly supports arguments from Republicans including Gov. Rick Snyder. An appeal is likely. Aquilina in September had granted an injunction in the case after Snyder signed legislation requiring public school employees to pay more for pensions and ending state-provided health coverage in retirement for new hires. The legislation had required a decision from teachers by late October. Also last Thursday, to satisfy the judge's concerns, the Legislature moved to set a Jan. 9 deadline for teachers to make a decision. Published: Mon, Dec 3, 2012