State finance committee to discuss domestic-partner health benefits

The Joint Committee on Finance is slated to take up Gov. Jim Doyle’s provision on domestic-partner health insurance benefits for all state employees later this month.

Once the finance committee approves the measure, as expected, the full Legislature is expected to also approve the provision.

Leading up to the finance committee’s vote, Chancellor Biddy Martin sent a letter to each member of the committee emphasizing the importance of the benefits to the campus and the effect on recruitment, retention and morale.

The letter also states the importance of completing action on the budget before Aug. 1 so the benefit can be in place by Jan. 1.

At the time of final approval, more information about implementation and other details will be shared with UW–Madison faculty and staff.