From the Attorney General's statement released today:
Michigan’s constitution, Article 9, section 24, is crystal clear in stating that pension obligations may not be diminished or impaired. As attorney general, I will defend the rights of Michigan citizens and defend the Constitution of the State of Michigan.
Detroit's $20 billion indebtedness is simply staggering. Equally staggering is the financial uncertainty of pension benefits relied upon by Michigan seniors living on fixed incomes and anticipating a safe and secure retirement after a lifetime of work. Retirees may face a potential financial crisis not of their own making, possibly a result of pension fund mismanagement.
The Free Press notes that the Governor is on record as on the other side of this issue. The Attorney General said that he will continue to represent the Governor and state departments as part of the bankruptcy case, but that his office also represents the people of the state of Michigan to protect pensioners and the Michigan Constitution.
