Log Cabin Republicans back Va. benefits change

RICHMOND

While a proposal by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to let insured state workers add dependent adults in their households to their health benefit plans has its share of conservative critics, the idea gained support Wednesday from one Republican organization: the Virginia Log Cabin Republicans, a gay and lesbian political group.

"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," Rebecca Maestri, Log Cabin club president, said in a statement Wednesday. "It is simply the right thing to do."

The club's vice president, David Lampo, said, "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."

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 the adult would cover all the extra insurance costs.

Despite that, some conservative commentators have accused Kaine, a Democrat, of giving a "parting gift to gays" as he leaves office.

Family Foundation President Victoria Cobb called the move "a partisan shot."

"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, she added.

Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, who ultimately may decide whether to approve the change, has said he wants to learn more before passing judgment.

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

The proposed regulatory change is being developed. A public comment period will continue through Dec. 23.

Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com