Michigan first responders protest benefit reform bill

About 500 retired police officers and firefighters were on the state capitol steps Wednesday worried that Republicans want to reduce or eliminate their long term health care benefits. 

"There is a fundamental belief with some legislators that think that that these benefits should not exist," said Mark Docherty, leader of the firefighters union.

But Republican say that's not the case.

"What we're trying to do is to make sure that the local units save and actually plan for paying these benefits into the future so they don't get left out cold on the street," said Rep. Tom Albert (R-Lowell).

But there are those in the crowd who don't trust the Republicans and consider taking away benefits a death sentences for some people.

"They'll eat up their retirements. They won't be able to afford health care. It's just non-stop attacks," said Rep. Tom Cochran (D-Mason).

Republicans are being accused by the unions of trying to slash benefits by creating a state appointed panel that could impose cuts on retirees if those retirees don't negotiate those cuts.

Meanwhile Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is reassuring union leaders that slashing benefits is not on the table.

"It's just an important principle that these brave men and women have worked hard and put their lives on the line and they have vested benefits and those promises need to be made good on them," he said.

Suffice it to say - until protestors see that in writing, they won't be appeased.