MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis City Council members will take a major vote Tuesday on whether or not to give themselves lifetime health benefits.
Former City Councilman Martavius Jones proposed the move which would give council members who served two consecutive terms health care for the rest of their lives.
The proposal passed a vote back in December under the old council. If approved Tuesday, it would go into effect for the three city council members who left office over the new year, including Jones.
Nashville's city council had a similar rule in place for decades. In 2020, that plan cost taxpayers over $800,000 to cover former and then-current officials. In 2021, Nashville decided it was too expensive and eliminated the program. Officials estimated if that program was in effect today, it would cost $1.2 million annually.