There are many reasons to support the extension of health care benefits to domestic partners.  Those of basic fairness won't be accepted by all, but I hope that self-interest will be more persuasive.   In order to recruit and retain the most talented men and women to our work force and to strengthen the Commonwealth, we must be competitive--and in today's environment that means providing health care benefits to domestic partners.  Most leading businesses and universities already provide these benefits; we in the Commonwealth do not.  This is short-sighted and against our interests.  As the chief academic officer of the College of William and Mary, I know at first hand the disadvantage we operate with.  I urge that we change our policy and strengthen the Commonwealth. 

Michael R. Halleran

Provost

College of William & Mary