I can't think of too many times where I have agreed with Providence mayor David Cicilline, but one of those rare occasions just occurred.  David Cicilline has released the terms of the contract proposal he submitted to the firefighters union.  The big thing is a request that members begin paying for a percentage of their health insurance.  Providence firefighters currently receive free health insurance.  Cicilline has proposed having current firefighter contribute 15% with new hires expected to contribute 20%.  The administration's goal is to have each employee, both union and nonunion, contribute 20%.  That sounds reasonable to me.

     Increasing to a 15% contribution is a big difference, but let's not forget that this is coming from a group that has received free health insurance.  As someone who contributes a substantially larger percentage toward his health insurance, I find it hard to feel sympathy for their plight.  Union President Paul Doughty says the union is willing to make a contribution, but they can't agree on a percentage.  They should look on the bright side: At least they're not paying as much as the rest of us.