Given the Maryland $2 billion deficit, the Governor says the state can afford to fund homosexuality -- he has a plan to lay off 700 state workers.
-- From "O'Malley proposes extending health benefits to gays" by Laura Smitherman, Baltimore Sun 2/3/09
Gov. Martin O'Malley has proposed extending health care benefits to same-sex partners of state employees, fulfilling a campaign promise to gay-rights activists despite this year's strapped budget.
The Democratic governor's proposal would allow state workers and retirees to add domestic partners and their dependents to health, dental and prescription drug plans, essentially putting gay couples on par with married spouses.
The state is facing a $2 billion shortfall next year, and O'Malley has proposed balancing the budget through 700 layoffs of state employees and other cost-cutting measures, and by tapping reserve accounts. His administration submitted regulations regarding domestic partner benefits Friday, and his budget submitted to the General Assembly includes funding.
The change also could help the state retain and recruit higher education employees, said University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. Kirwan, who endorsed the initiative. [Yes, more homosexuals in charge of education -- that's the goal!]
Equality Maryland held a rally outside the State House yesterday and dispatched dozens of volunteers to visit lawmakers to discuss their agenda. Among the attendees was V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, who is gay. He also delivered the invocation at the start of last night's Senate session.
"Any step forward is a step in the right direction," Robinson said. "On the other hand, we can't see these small steps as a way of buying us off so that we don't pursue the fight for full equality."
While gay-rights activists in Maryland concede it's unlikely they will get the votes this year to approve same-sex marriage, a top priority, they are still working to add lawmakers as sponsors of the bill.
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