Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 23, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Statement by Gov. Gary Locke on the Public Employees Benefits Board vote to extend health care benefits to same-sex domestic partners of state employees

"I have been clear about my support for extension of benefits to domestic partners and concur with the decision of the Public Employees Benefits Board to extend benefits to same-sex domestic partners. I am committed to expanding health care coverage for all the citizens of our state. I believe this will allow our employees to work, motivated by the assurance that their colleagues and loved ones are protected and secure. Due to the timing of this issue and because the Legislature has already set the amount of funding available for state employee benefits, the cost of these benefits will be borne by the employees, and not the taxpayers."

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