This is a long overdue effort to give unmarried state employees some of the benefits married employees already have.  This is a win-win for everyone.  It adds more people to private health insurance plans and it doesn't cost the taxpayers any additional money.  It doesn't provide equal benefits to domestic partners, but at least it's a step in the right direction.  Many private businesses already offer these type of benefits, and it's time the state government does as well, especially when it won't cost the state anything.