The new four-year AFSCME contract for state employees will allow health coverage for same-sex domestic partners in the third and fourth year of the contract, reports the governor’s office.
The Department of Central Management Services will propose standards of same-sex domestic-partnership coverage at a later date, but will be comparable to private group health plans (e.g. a Northwestern or University of Chicago).
Baldwin Named Dem Convention Vice Chair
Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin has been named by the Democratic National Committee as Convention Vice Chair. Baldwin’s appointment is a historic milestone as she becomes the first openly gay Vice Chair of a national political convention.
‘Tammy has represented Wisconsin with dedication, leadership, and integrity,’ DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said. ‘I know she will serve our Party and our Convention as whole-heartedly as she serves her constituents and her country.’
Joining Baldwin and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who was announced as the Permanent Chair for the 2004 Convention last year, are Sen. Edward Kennedy (Mass.), who will serve as Honorary Chair, and Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle (SD), House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who will serve as Co-Chairs.