Hundreds Protest EFM Legislation

LANSING (WWJ) - Hundreds of union demonstrators showed up for a big rally in Lansing, Tuesday, to protest against a bill that would give broad new powers to Emergency Financial Managers.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick said, from the fourth floor of the state Capital down the first floor, they inundated the  rotunda, chanting that they want to "kill the bill," because it was anti-union.

One demonstrator, Rev.  Alexander Bullock of Highland Park, said putting a "king" in to run the cities and schools is wrong.

"We don't need kings in Michigan. We don't need kings in Wisconsin. If you believe that, say no! ... What we need is more Democracy," Bullock said.

Republican State Senator Jack Brandenburg says calling the legislation union-busting is an overstatement.

"I don't think so. We're voting to put a responsible individual in government where there's been no responsible individual before.

The Senate is expected to pass the bill this week.