I strongly believe that same sex partners should have the same health benefits as heterosexual couples and those benefits should also be extended to immediate family members. However, I think the scope of who is included as an immediate family member must be clearly defined and should not simply include anyone who lives in the same household. Children by adoption and one partner being covered makes logical sense and would parallel the benefits provided to heterosexual partners.

Even as a state employee who has been impacted by the state budget cuts, subsequent lack of raises for two straight years without a raise in site, and below average salary due to the cost of living in Northern Virginia, I don't this cost should be a deterrent from treating all people equitably. As such, I support this endeavor, even though I don't appreciate how the issue has been kept out of the headlines.