It is very heartening to see the Commonwealth of Virginia move toward the future to bring its benefits package in line with what has been available in private industry both here in Virginia and in other parts of the country for many years now.  It is difficult for the Commonwealth to retain "the best and the brightest" based upon its compensation and benefits packages, and this is a step in the right direction.

This proposal will provide coverage for many who might otherwise not be able to obtain health insurance.  As the proposal is written it would do this without costing the taxpayer a single penny, since employees opting to cover an "otherwise qualified adult" are responsible for 100% of the premiums involved.  The definition of "otherwise qualified adult" also includes the requirement that the individual in question would have to have been a part of the household in question for a minimum of 12 months prior to application for coverage.  This is an entirely reasonable restriction and makes the potential for abuse quite small.  I would argue that since the employee is responsible for the entirety of the premiums, abuse is actually impossible.

For those who insist this is a way to work around the stipulations of the Marshall-Newman Amendment ("The Marriage Amendment"), the wording of the proposal is entirely in line with a proposal approved by governor-elect McDonnell in his opinion to John Casteen on UVA gym benefits.

We need more actions of this type, and I am thrilled to hear that Governor Kaine has taken the steps to make this a reality.