Monday, December 16, 2002

A story published today by the Lansing State Journal reports that Lansing Community College's controversial plan to extend same-sex partner benefits to employees is off to a quiet start. The college is spending about $9,000 this year on health insurance benefits for fewer than five people, college spokeswoman Ruth Borger said.

The Board of Trustees voted in October to offer benefits, despite objections from three board members who said the decision was pushed through with too little public input.

At LCC, couples who want benefits are required to sign an affidavit saying they have been in a committed relationship for more than 12 months. They also must provide documents, such as tax returns, bills and bank statements, to show they live together and share financial responsibility, said Tim Zeller, LCC's director of labor relations.

"It can't just be that you're roommates who share expenses," Zeller said. "You have to be emotionally committed."

Unlike married couples, people who get the partner benefits are taxed for them because same-sex unions are not recognized by the state or federal governments, Zeller said.

Eight other Michigan colleges and universities offer same-sex benefits, but no community colleges do, according to the group.

The Ingham County Board of Commissioners voted last week to extend the same-sex benefits to some county employees.