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Coverage of domestic partners is the fastest growing trend in health care plans
in the United States. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 254 of the Fortune
500 companies in 2006 provided domestic partner benefits to their employees
(up from 145 in 2001). This is a marked increase and the numbers will only continue
to grow in 2007. In order for Kansas City to remain competitive in attracting
high quality employees, we must keep up with changing trends in employee compensation
packages.
On Aug. 28, 2003, the City Council voted to establish a Domestic Partner Registry
and provide domestic partner benefits,
which cover opposite-sex and same-sex partners of city employees in committed relationships.
That coverage has remained in place, and while the original vote did not guarantee
health coverage, the Human Resources department does offer those benefits to
registered domestic partners.
At the writing of this paper, a legal challenge to Kansas City's right to provide
health care coverage to domestic partners is awaiting a ruling in Jackson County
Circuit Court. While I believe this charge
has no merit, if the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, as your councilman I will
vote in favor of an appeal.
The Domestic Partner Registry must be protected from those who would challenge
its lawfulness. I support the rights of all human beings and will continue to oppose
any legislation or legal challenges that would write discrimination into our laws.
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