The following is a guest column by House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township).

Across Michigan, residents are working hard, stretching their checks as far as they can go during these difficult times. Institutions that make up the foundation of our society and are key to our success, from schools to manufacturers and small businesses, are cutting back. In 1997, state lawmakers were offered retiree health care benefits when their retirement plans were changed from defined benefit to defined contribution.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township)

Once state lawmakers have served six years, they receive a perk like no other - taxpayer-funded lifetime health care starting at age 55. That is simply unacceptable and completely unfair Michigan residents who have had their health care benefits slashed or eliminated altogether, regardless of how long they have worked at their job. Lawmakers should not receive special treatment, and that's why I'm supporting a plan to eliminate this unfair benefit.

I also want to make something absolutely clear: this perk is unacceptable no matter the state of the economy. Providing lawmakers with taxpayer-funded lifetime health care is inappropriate no matter how well or poor the state is doing.

Our plan will make sure that our state legislators lead by example. Our plan will end taxpayer-funded lifetime health care for all state lawmakers currently serving in the Legislature, regardless of whether they're in the House or Senate. The measure is expected to save the state nearly $5 million each year, according to the House Fiscal Agency.

After another difficult year, and a budget shortfall of at least $1.7 billion looming, lawmakers need to stand up and lead. As students, teachers, small business owners, auto workers and others across the state continue to sacrifice due to unemployment and declining revenue, leadership in Lansing needs to do its share.

This is an issue that is bigger than partisan politics and will require cooperation across the aisle. The needs of Michigan's families must come before extravagant perks enjoyed by politicians. That's why I'm asking State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop to drop his opposition and join us in our effort to eliminate taxpayer-funded lifetime health care for all current state lawmakers - not just future legislators.

While times are tough and it is difficult for anyone to give up benefits, we must never lose sight of the fact that we were elected to serve the people. We carry on a proud democratic tradition of looking out for the best interests of those we represent. Lawmakers are not a cut above everyone else and they should not be treated as such. Ending taxpayer-funded lifetime health care for lawmakers is another step toward ensuring all people in the state are treated equally.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes (D-Lyndon Township) can be contacted by phone at (517) 373-0828 or toll-free at (800) 645-1581. Her e-mail address is pambyrnes@house.mi.gov and her Web site is byrnes.housedems.com.