Making the MEA happy for the sake of a few votes will backfire.  Making the MEA stronger will just make you regret the small rope chain you thought might hold it several years ago. The Mackinac Center's McHugh reports:

"If passed by the House and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, this would be arguably the most impactful state budget reform since Gov. John Engler signed a similar measure for state workers back in 1996. That measure has helped taxpayers avoid some $4.3 billion in unfunded liability since then. Unfortunately, House Republicans led by Appropriations Committee Chairman Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham, appear willing to give the union a victory by deep-sixing this reform."

Bad timing friend.

When trying to inspire conservatives for the biggest vote of the last century in November, its not really a good idea to go all LIBERAL.

Ya know?  

And given a birdy telling me about the ambition to remain relevant for a big race in 2014, it might be prudent to consider a fiscally courageous stand here. Take heart, as even Richardville voted for it. But if you pursue grinding this walkback out of the house, you may wind up wearing it like a millstone around your neck in any future political contests.  

There are a few of us who will be there for the adorning.