Thursday, April 10, 2008

Domestic Partners Win Benefits in AZ

From "Domestic Partners in Ariz. Win Benefits," AP, April 1, 2008:

PHOENIX (AP) — A panel in Arizona, where voters once turned down a constitutional ban on gay marriage, approved a plan Tuesday to provide taxpayer-subsidized health coverage for the domestic partners of state employees and retirees.

The Governor's Regulatory Review Council, which has the final say over many agencies' proposed rules, voted 4-0 to approve changes floated by the Department of Administration with support from Gov. Janet Napolitano, a Democrat. Some Republican legislators opposed the move.

Dependents of domestic partners also will qualify. Employees will be able to sign up for benefits as of Oct 1...