Michigan spent about $925 million on pensions last year, according to the newspaper, about 2 percent of its $45.7 billion budget. Former Gov. Jon Engler and former Speakers of the House Lewis Dodak and Gary Owen are some of the highest earners. Former Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus is receiving a six-figure salary while working as a top advisor for current Gov. Rick Snyder.
Public worker pensions have been a focal point for the state's budget reform, the News reports. Snyder proposed and the state legislature approved a first-time tax on pensions, set to begin in January and earn $230 million annually. It is currently before the Michigan Supreme Court, which will hear arguments on its constitutionality.
The state is estimated to have $22 billion in unfunded pension liabilities, according to the News.
