LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan House of Representatives will pay $515,000 in a settlement with two former legislative aides who alleged they were wrongfully fired and publicly humiliated after reporting two lawmakers’ extramarital affair and other misconduct.
An agreement released Tuesday says Keith Allard and Benjamin Graham will be paid about $170,000 each. Their lawyer’s firm will receive $175,000.
The men sued nearly a year ago, saying they alerted House Speaker Kevin Cotter’s office about their two married Republican bosses’ affair, but it was covered up at the behest of ex-Reps. Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat. Gamrat was expelled from office, and Courser resigned.
In a joint statement, Cotter and the plaintiffs say the settlement “is in the best interest of everyone, including the House as an institution and the Michigan taxpayers.”
