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Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Ind. Gov't. - "Lake Council prepares to deny public defenders insurance coverage"
Bill Dolan reports in the NWI Times today:
CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council opened 2012 Tuesday by voting to end insurance benefits to 39 lawyers who represent indigent criminal defendants in local courts at public expense.Council members approved on first reading an ordinance that redefines the county government health benefits plan to exclude public defenders, who work only part time for the county but receive insurance like full-time employees.
Judges previously have told council members the current arrangement allows them to retain a core of veteran attorneys. No other part-time county employees get such benefits. The county pays the $15,200 annual health care premium for the 39 part-time public defenders, which amounts to $592,800.
The council passed the measure only on first read. A second and final vote could take place as early as next month. If passed, the new plan wouldn't take effect for a year.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on January 11, 2012 10:05 AM
Posted to Indiana Government