This proposal rectifies an injustice at no cost to the state.  I applaud the action and wish only that it had been done at the outset of the Kaine administration and not at the end.

I have direct experience of our failure to recruit otherwise superbly qualifed candidates for positions here at UVa because of the total absence of domestic partner benefits.  Other universities throught the nation offer these benefits--and at the same rates for married spouses.  This change does not meet that standard but it does at least allow a University employee to buy--at full cost--coverage for a qualified adult.

By extending the benefit, we at least can make a somewhat credible offer to someone in a domestic partnership.  Note that it does not approve of "same-sex marriage" or "opposite-sex domestic partnership."  Rather it allows a state employee sharing a primary residence to purchase health insurance for that qualified partner at full cost. 

Given the horrendous expense of individual health insurance, this is the least we in Virginia can do to be fair to our employees and a qualified other adult.  Note this could apply to an adult child or parent (as long as the employeed does not already enroll a spouse).

This change is fair, family-friendly, and reflects the modern reality of people sharing household. 

I fully support this change in policy.