A GOP group backs Kaine health benefits plan

While a proposal by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to let insured state workers add dependant adults in their households onto their health benefits plans has its share of conservative critics, the idea has backing from at least one Republican organization. 

The Virginia Log Cabin Republicans, a gay and lesbian political group, Wednesday announced support for the proposed regulatory change.

"This long overdue measure is a creative way to offer the thousands of unmarried state employees a portion of the same benefits married employees receive, yet at no cost to the taxpayer" Log Cabin club president Rebecca Maestri said in a written statement issued Wednesday. "It is simply the right thing to do."

Kaine administration officials have said extending state health benefits to "other qualified adults" including in-laws, adult children and domestic partners would not be an additional expense to Virginia taxpayers because the worker adding someone to their insurance would cover all the extra insurance costs.

Despite that, some conservative commentators have accused Kaine, a Democrat, of giving a "parting gift to gays" on his way out of office.

Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb called the move a "a partisan shot at Gov.-elect (Bob) McDonnell" from Kaine.

"If this is really important, if this is a substantive issue that people care about, it should go through the legislative process," not circumvent it, Cobb added.

McDonnell, a Republican who ultimately may decide whether to approve the benefits change, has adopted a wait-and-see philosophy about the plan, saying he wants to learn more before passing judgment.

"I want to see the regulation before I can comment on it," McDonnell said Tuesday in Richmond.

McDonnell said he supports the concept of expanding health care coverage through employer-based programs rather than government intervention -- a swipe at federal health care reform legislation being debated in Congress -- but remains concerned about potential costs to the state if benefits are provided to more individuals.

At present, the proposed regulatory chage is being developed. A public comment period during which citizens can offer opinions about it will continue through Dec. 23.

In a statement Wednesday, Log Cabin club vice present David Lampo urged "all reasonable, compassionate Virginians, regardless of party, to express their support for this proposal."

"The state government is already way behind private industry in supplying these benefits, which make the state much more attractive to potential residents and employees of Virginia firms," he added.

-- Julian Walker

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