Public schools pension law halted

LANSING, MI (AP)--   A judge has temporarily blocked full implementation of a new law requiring Michigan public school employees to pay more for their pensions.

The Detroit News reports Ingham County Circuit Judge Rosemarie Aquilina granted an injunction Tuesday that gives them more time to decide whether to pay more toward their pension, accept a lower pension or freeze their pension and switch to a defined contribution plan.

Earlier in the day, Republican Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation requiring public school employees to pay more for pensions and ending state-provided health coverage in retirement for new hires.

The legislation required a decision from teachers by Oct. 26. The judge scheduled a Nov. 28 hearing on legal challenges by two teachers' unions.

The law's supporters say it will withstand the challenges.