Arizona's "family values": budget cuts healthcare coverage for same-sex partners of state employees

[ccharles000]

It's no news that America's health care system is screwed six ways from Sunday. It's already incredibly difficult for many people to get coverage they can actually afford. For people in same-sex relationships, it's even harder to do if we don't live in a state where our relationships are legally recognized, and employers won't provide coverage for our partners the way they do for heterosexual spouses. And if you live in Arizona, well, don't expect Governor Jan Brewer to help you out with that any time soon. From Lambda Legal:

(Phoenix, September 8, 2009) — Lambda Legal is profoundly concerned and disturbed by a move by Arizona lawmakers on Friday to strip health benefits from the domestic partners of state employees.

State legislators for months had taken aim at the equal benefits plan approved last year by former Governor Janet Napolitano, now Department of Homeland Security Secretary. On Friday, current Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed a budget bill with the provision revoking the health insurance coverage for domestic partners.

The elimination of vital benefits for a small, politically vulnerable group of public workers emerged from a protracted and bruising battle over the state budget. The new law strips gay and lesbian state employees of the ability to obtain health benefits for an unmarried life partner. Because health coverage for an employee’s committed life partner can be a critical lifeline for family stability and financial security, this budget denies 'equal pay for equal work' and inflicts severe hardship upon a targeted group of Arizona families.

Thanks, Governor Brewer. Nice to know the families of your gay and lesbian employees aren't as important as the straight ones. In addition to screwing over the partners of gay public workers, the budget also cuts money going to the KidsCare Parents program, which previously provided healthcare to the parents of children who are eligible for state-subsidized healthcare. This budget cut 10,000 adults out of desperately-needed healthcare coverage.

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/12909/arizonas-family-values-budget-cuts-healthcare-coverage-for-samesex-partners-of-state-employees

[lapfog_1]

1. I sure hope having Napolitano at DHS is worth it.

Because Arizona is getting screwed.

[DesertFlower]

2. Jesus H. Christ. that really sucks. nt

[TheKentuckian]

3. Pure evil douchebaggery (nt)

[ccharles000]

4. kick