DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit-based Skillman Foundation is
contributing $3.5 million to help offset health care cuts to city
retirees.
Mediators in Detroit’s bankruptcy made the announcement Tuesday.
The
city no longer provides health insurance for some city retirees and has
reduced benefits for others as part of its bankruptcy restructuring.
The Skillman donation would help preserve health care benefits for
families with children and grandchildren.
It isn’t part of efforts
by other foundations and private citizens to protect city-owned artwork
from sale by funding municipal employee pensions. So far, foundations
have committed about $370 million to that plan.
The Michigan Senate on Tuesday approved legislation to spend $195 million to help shore up Detroit’s
pension funds.
The Detroit Institute of Arts has said it will raise an additional $100 million.