By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Governor Riley has urged the State Employees Insurance Board to reject an application from the Alabama Senate that could mean a significant reduction in the cost of health insurance for senators.
Riley calls the resolution a ''brazen attempt by state senators to give themselves free or low-cost health insurance at the taxpayers' expense.'' He sent a letter Monday to members of the board that manages the state employees health insurance program.
Legislators are currently eligible to receive state employee health insurance but must pay the full cost. That comes to about $690 a month for family coverage.
In the final moments of the regular session on June 7th, the Senate passed a resolution on a voice vote asking that the Senate be considered a local government group - a move that could lower the cost of premiums for senators.
A committee of the insurance board is scheduled to meet Tuesday.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)