Thursday, December 19, 2002
University of Colorado seeking change in state law of domestic partner benefits
A story released today by the Associated Press reports that the University of Colorado will seek to change a state law that prohibits it from giving health-care benefits to the domestic partners of classified employees.
Colorado law does not include same-sex partners or their offspring among the list of dependents covered by health plans administered through the state's payroll system, said Jeffrey C. Schutt, the state's director of human resources.
CU's Board of Regents approved same-sex benefits last summer following years of lobbying from proponents, who said the measure promotes equality. But state law prohibits CU from subsidizing the domestic partners of classified staff members on the state's payroll.
"Needless to say, that law needs to be changed," Regent Jim Martin said. "We need to be able to treat all of our employees the same."
"We really believe we're obligated to follow the law," said Steve McNally, CU's associate vice president of operations. "It's unfortunate, but it would require legislative action to change it."
The policy change affects 11 of the 42 employees who signed up for the new benefits, which begin Jan. 1. Classified staff may enroll their gay partners in CU's health plan, but their partners will not receive a state contribution.
