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. These are practices of companies all over America who are rated by credible organizations as the best places to work.  If Virginia does not offer these benefits, we will not be competitive and will lose out in the race for the best talent. 

The proposal would not cost the taxpayers anything or violate the so-called marriage amendment.

I urge that this change to the Virginia State Helath Insurance Plan be made.