NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Some Metro Council members say a taxpayer-subsidized health insurance benefit they receive even after they leave the legislative body is a reasonable perk because of activities that effect time with their families and professional life.

Like Metro employees, council and former members pay 25 percent of the cost, and the city pays the rest. But Metro employees don't get to take the benefit with them if they leave before they're eligible for retirement.

Council members can continue to carry the benefit as long as they serve for parts of two straight terms and have the insurance while in office.

Those who defend the benefit say it's additional compensation for the numerous hours of attention to constituent issues, constant monitoring of e-mail, phone messages and long meetings during the week.

------

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)