Gov. Rod Blagojevich has announced that 178 same-sex domestic partners of state employees have opted into new state benefits that begin on July 1.
On May 8, Blagojevich issued an administrative order extending health benefits to same-sex domestic partners of state employees. Following the governor’s administrative order, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Secretary of State Jesse White and 29 universities, boards, and commissions also extended these benefits, which include include health insurance as well as dental and vision coverage.