The Courier-Journal
07-13-06
Domestic-partner plan weighed at U of L
University could extend its health coverage
By Mark Pitsch
mpitsch@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
The University of Louisville would be the state's first public university to offer
health insurance to employees' domestic partners under a proposal to be
considered by trustees today.
The University of Kentucky considered such a plan in 2002 but did not act after
several lawmakers said most Kentuckians would find it "repulsive and
unpopular."
U of L trustees are scheduled to vote today on whether to authorize President
James Ramsey "to take appropriate action for the inclusion of domestic partners"
in the employee health policy.
Trustees also are expected to consider whether to extend coverage to "others for
whose welfare an employee is legally responsible," said John Drees, a U of L
spokesman.
He said that could include an elderly parent, for example.
U of L is considering offering the benefits as early as Jan. 1 to attract and keep
good workers, Drees said.
"We're in a competitive marketplace. We're competing with the top universities
for faculty and the top companies for staff," he said.
Drees said details of both proposals have not been determined, including how
many employees would be affected, what the benefits would cost and who would
be eligible.
But he said the policy for domestic partners would allow both homosexual and
heterosexual companions of employees to receive health coverage through the
school.
U of L employees currently can receive coverage for themselves, their spouses,
and their children and legal dependents.
Sam Marcosson, associate dean of the U of L law school, said he's gay but not in
a relationship.
"It's something I could benefit from and that would be very important to me, so
I'm thrilled the university is considering it," Marcosson said.
State Sen. Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs, opposes the idea.
"It's not a good policy," he said. "It can only expand obligations that currently
aren't in place or shouldn't be in place."
Westwood is one of four Republican lawmakers who wrote to UK President Lee
Todd in May 2002 urging him not to implement health benefits for domestic
partners.
"We hope the university will not design a benefit package that will place it at
cross purposes with the majority of the General Assembly (or) require it to make
policy statements that most Kentuckians would find repulsive and unpopular,"
wrote Westwood and Sens. Katie Stine of Fort Thomas, Richard Roeding of
Lakeside Park and Vernie McGaha of Russell Springs.
The letter also reminded Todd that UK "depends upon the state for its
maintenance and support."
UK still doesn't offer health coverage for domestic partners, said Jay Blanton, a
school spokesman. He said the letter from lawmakers did not affect any
decisions made regarding benefits.
Blanton said yesterday that the school is undergoing a review of employee pay
and benefits but said that coverage for domestic partners is not being
considered.
Westwood said yesterday that the letter was not meant to threaten UK. Asked if
he thought the legislature might take action if U of L offers coverage for domestic
partners, Westwood said no.
"That's a local decision," he said.
Officials from Kentucky's six other public universities said yesterday that they
don't offer domestic-partner benefits. A spokesman for Northern Kentucky
University said the school is researching how much it would cost to offer such
benefits and how many employees would be affected.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based gay-rights
group, 298 universities across the country offer health insurance to domestic
partners.
In 2001, the number was only 158.
Indiana University, Iowa State University, Ohio State University and the
University of Pittsburgh are among those that offer the coverage, according to
the campaign.
Bill Pierce, a U of L pharmacology professor and trustee, said the faculty senate
has supported domestic-partner benefits for years.
"It's the right thing to do. If you have employees and they're entitled to benefits, it
ought to be applied to everybody," he said. "Two, it's just good business."
U of L should offer the benefits so it can be competitive, Pierce said.
Reporter Mark Pitsch can be reached at (502) 875-5136.