DES MOINES (AP) — After losing his effort to get state workers to pay a portion of their health care costs, Gov. Terry Branstad called on lawmakers Monday to start contributing to their own plans.

Branstad said legislators should pay 20 percent of their health care premiums. Currently, lawmakers, like state union workers, don’t have to pay a health care contribution.

“I also think the Legislature has an opportunity to be leaders instead of followers on this,” said Branstad, noting that federal employees pay a portion of their health care costs and arguing that coupling contributions with wellness programs will improve health outcomes in Iowa.