Panel OKs benefits expansion

CARSON CITY -- A regulation that makes it state policy to provide health care insurance benefits to domestic partners of state employees -- including those of the same sex -- was adopted Tuesday by a legislative subcommittee on a 3-2 vote.

But Sen. Randolph Townsend, R-Reno, said money still must be found during the legislative session, which starts in February, to expand the health care benefit.

The amount has been estimated at more than $4 million. In the coming session, Townsend said, the entire Legislature also could debate whether it wants domestic partners to secure the benefit.

Domestic partners include not only unmarried people of the same sex but of the opposite sex. The state now provides $626 per month per employee in health care benefits.

"I do think it is the right thing to do," Townsend said during a brief discussion of the rule at a meeting of the Subcommittee on Regulations.

But chances of the Legislature funding the health care benefits appear slim because Gov. Jim Gibbons has asked state agencies to prepare for cuts of 14 percent for the 2009-11 budget cycle.

Gibbons has told the Public Employee Benefits Program Board that no increase in state support for the self-funded health insurance program will take place because of declining tax revenue.

Ben Kieckhefer, the governor's communications director, said Gibbons will not include money for domestic partners in the proposed budget he submits to the Legislature in January.

"It is not a time we can expand state benefits," Kieckhefer said. "This is $4 million that would have to be taken out of other state programs."

But he added legislators should have a "policy debate" on whether health care benefits should be given to domestic partners.

Gary Peck, state director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said his group was pleased by the subcommittee's action.

"We fully understand that money is an issue, but we hope the governor will reconsider his decision against funding these benefits," he added.

Officials from the Higher Education System of Nevada have argued that they have been hurt in recruiting efforts because the state does not offer health care benefits to domestic partners.

The higher education system was the first to approach the Public Employee Benefits Program Board with the request that health care benefits be given to domestic partners.

The board backed the proposed regulation in June but decided earlier this month to delay requesting money until the economy recovers.

Sen. Maggie Carlton and Assembly Majority Leader John Oceguera, both D-Las Vegas, joined Townsend in backing the regulation.

Sen. Warren Hardy, R-Las Vegas, and Assemblyman John Carpenter, R-Elko, voted against the plan.

Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, did not attend the meeting. She is a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Hardy said the entire Legislature, not just a six-member committee, should decide whether domestic partners should receive health care benefits.

"I agree it should be brought before the entire Legislature," Carpenter said.