This bill provides much-needed support to families in Virginia. In addition,  it will make it much easier for state agencies/institutions to hire qualified faculty and staff. As a member of the UVA faculty for over 20 years, I am personally aware of how difficult it is to attract highly qualified individuals into public vs private employment because the state salaries simply cannot compete with the private sector. But by making health coverage available to unmarried partners, couples will be more able to have one family member commit to a state position while the other is still seeking his or her own employment.