LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A proposal to allow same-sex partners or other adults living with some state employees to be covered by state-paid health insurance has been approved by the Michigan Civil Service Commission.
The Detroit News and Lansing State Journal report Wednesday the commission approved the measure despite objections from Gov. Rick Snyder's administration, which is worried about the potential cost of the proposal.
The state had agreed in 2004 to begin covering same-sex benefits, but implementation has been delayed because of legal issues.
Earlier estimates suggested the extended benefits could cost the state about $6 million in 2011. Some say the cost could be higher.
The benefits would be available starting in October for state workers represented by United Workers Local 6000, SEIU workers and about 15,000 non-unionized workers.
