Michigan State troopers have ratified a three-year contract with the state that includes structural changes in health care and wage increases.

The State of Michigan said in a release Thursday that 81 percent of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association voted to approve the agreement that ends December 2011.

Troopers will not receive a wage increase in the first year of the contract, a 1 percent increase in the second year, and 2 percent in the third year. Health care plan changes are expected to offset the wage increases.

Governor Jennifer Granholm said  “tough economic times and financial pressures on the state budget” required structural changes in employee benefits.

Chris Luty, president of the trooper’s union, said the deal is a  “positive for state troopers.”
  
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