MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis City Council is facing one of the most controversial votes in recent memory. A group of 13 lawmakers will decide Tuesday whether former lawmakers should get health insurance, courtesy of taxpayers.
After repeatedly rescheduling a final vote on this hot-button issue, the City Council, which was sworn into office less than two months ago, agreed to join Tennessee's other legislative bodies and the Mid-South in a decision that cost too much. They're about to vote on something they think is a bad idea.
It would be difficult to find Memphis taxpayers willing to shell out the cash for lifetime health insurance for city council members who are considered part-time employees.
Memphian Cornelius Richardson said, “Paying more taxes just doesn't make sense, especially for people who don't hold public office. It's really selfish if you ask me.”
“I want to insure them,” Memphian Pat Woolridge told Action News 5. I think they should do the same as me. ”
Former Memphis City Councilman Martavious Jones, who was unable to seek a third term in the last election due to term limits, sponsored the ordinance. The move would expand health insurance coverage for members of Congress who served two terms, or eight years, without any disciplinary issues. Coverage lasts until age 65, with city councilors paying 30% of premiums and the city, known as the taxpayer, paying 70% of the bill.
“The focus has always been on Memphis, Memphis, Memphis,” Jones told Action News 5 in a January interview. “But if you look at this, it may not be different from what's happening in other municipalities.”
Action News 5 also checked with other municipalities. Bartlett does not offer this benefit to council members. The Shelby County Commission twice rejected similar plans. The Nashville Metro Council also eliminated health insurance for former members because it was costing taxpayers $800,000 a year.
Memphis City Councilman Philip Spinosa announced in his biweekly newsletter that he would “vote no” on the health insurance ordinance.
Councilman Jerry Green, who is serving on the city council for the first time this year, said he would vote against it.
“This is a distraction,” she posted on social media. “To achieve our goals, the public must trust that we have their best interests in mind. This wastes time and undermines trust.”
City Councilman Chase Carlisle, currently in his second term, also voted “no.”
“In a city with pressing needs and challenges,” he says. Posted in X“Our focus should be on uplifting our communities, not securing lifetime health insurance for city council members.”
Multiple taxpayers told Action News 5 this issue should be decided by voters.
“I think anything they vote for themselves should really be on the ballot instead of voting for themselves,” Memphian Randy Martin said.
The Memphis City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the ordinance on Tuesday, February 19th.
Several City Council members told Action News 5 that they are receiving the highest number of emails and calls in recent years from angry constituents about this issue.
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