House panel rejects ban on domestic-partner benefits

A House panel killed a measure Thursday afternoon that would have banned state universities and other government agencies from offering health benefits to the domestic partners of employees.

After hearing testimony from the sponsor of Senate Bill 112, Republican Vernie McGaha of Russell Springs, the House Health and Welfare Committee rejected the proposal in a 9-6 vote.

The panel took the same action on an identical bill last year, although that vote was closer.

The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville already provide health insurance for domestic partners of employees. Both universities have opposed the measure, saying decisions about employee benefits should be left to the institutions.

The Senate approved SB 112 in a 30-5 vote in Janaury.

MORE TO COME

- Sarah Vos

Comments

[Bill Adkins]

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish. Watkins gets it right as stated in the Courier:

"And it prompted Rep. David Watkins, D-Henderson, to deliver a tongue-lashing to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs, before he voted against it.

Watkins, a family physician, called the measure divisive and said the Senate is ignoring the state’s biggest health problems, including smoking, obesity and a lack of adequate mental health services.

“I am tired of the same petty issues coming before us when we’ve got major issues to address,’’ he said."

[Watkins is wrong]

Rep. Watkins: “I am tired of the same petty issues coming before us when we’ve got major issues to address,’’ he said."

Hmmm. It seems that the good doctor's arrogance shows through in his condescending remarks to Sen. McGaha.

Is it petty to stop the waste of our tax dollars on special benefits for certain of our state university employees, especially when that benefit clearly violates the expressed will of the citizens of Kentucky?

Clearly it is Rep. Watkins and Bill Adkins that are out of step with the majority of Kentuckians.

And for all you Let Us Vote proponents: urge the committee to let the full House vote on this measure! Are you afraid of the result? Better yet, put this on the ballot and see what happens! We already voted on the Protection of Marriage act, which this benefit clearly violates, as even ruled on by then AG Stumbo.

In the view of most Kentuckians, the arrogant doctor is clearly wrong on this issue.