WI Domestic Partner Benefit Bill Tab Pegged at $7.4M

A MacIver News Service news account indicated the state Department of Employee Trust Funds reported 700 employees have switched from single to family coverage to take advantage of the extended benefits.   According to the news report, that will cost the state $7.4 million dollars this year, including $3.1 million from general purpose tax revenues and $4.3 million that will come from program revenues and segregated funds.

Even though the benefits are currently coming in under projections, some state lawmakers are disappointed the state chose to offer additional benefits while facing a $6.6-billion deficit at the time the budget bill was drafted, the news report said.

The new domestic partner benefits went into effect January 1, 2010.   Domestic partner benefits are available to same sex and heterosexual couples who have one partner who receives employee benefits while working for the state.