I am so pleased that the Kaine administration has started the rulemaking process that could result in state employees being able to choose either to include either a spouse or an “otherwise qualified adult” on their state health insurance plan. This proposal would permit employees an additional choice of health insurance coverage available at their expense. If offered, health insurance coverage would be available to some adults and children who might otherwise be uninsured. Also, offering such benefits will bring state agencies and higher education institutions in line with prevailing benefits practices of employers of choice in Virginia and across the nation, and enhance recruiting and retention of the best and the brightest. Furthermore, this proposal would not cost the taxpayers anything.

In other words, we have nothing to lose and everything to gain by ending workplace discrimination and increasing the basic human rights of all Virginians.

Sincerely,

Rachel C. Fletcher