Delphi retirees testify in Columbus

COLUMBUS — When it comes time to replace the battery in Milan Dragojevic’s internal cardiac defibrillator, it’s probably going to cost the Warren-area man about $7,000 out of pocket.

That’s because Dragojevic, like thousands of other Delphi retirees living in the state, had his pension and health-care benefits slashed after the bankruptcy and subsequent government bailout of General Motors.

“That’s a huge expense for anyone, especially a retiree on a fixed income,” Dragojevic said of his coming health-care bills. “Some retirees who will need medical attention will forgo it due to insufficient funds.”

He added, “We only ask for the earned, promised benefits and fair and equitable treatment for all parties involved.”

Dragojevic testified at the Statehouse on Tuesday before a House committee considering a resolution offered by Rep. Bob Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th. The mostly symbolic gesture would make official the state’s stance on the way Delphi retirees are being treated and urge federal involvement to make the situation right.

Read the full story in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.