PHOENIX, AZ  --  Domestic partners of state employees, gay or straight, will be eligible for taxpayer-subsidized health coverage and other benefits under a plan approved Tuesday by a state oversight panel.

The Governor's Regulatory Review Council voted 4-0 to approve the benefits expansion. It was proposed late last year by the Department of Administration with backing by Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Supporters argued that offering benefits to partners and their dependents would help the state reduce costly turnover by being more competitive in recruitment and retention. Napolitano, among others, has argued that it was a question of fairness.

Supporters termed Tuesday's decision a breakthrough for the state in terms of its treatment of employees and competitiveness in luring and retaining a workforce while critics claim the administrative rule sidesteps the Legislature and would undermine the institution of marriage.

Arizona voters turned down a constitutional ban on gay marriage in 2006, making it the only state to do so that year. At least 15 other states already provide domestic partner benefits.

There are about 65,000 state employees and 9,000 state retirees in Arizona. According to state estimates, the number of partners likely to be covered ranges from 317 to 853.

Last update: 04-02-2008 12:11