Dayton to support domestic partner benefits

Dayton, a gay-rights supporter, told The Associated Press in an interview  that he will put the benefits on the table in contract negotiations due to start in a few months.

MAPE negotiated a contract offering health benefits to state employees\’ domestic partners under Gov. Jesse Ventura, an independent. However, the then-Republican controlled Minnesota House, with then-Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, removed the domestic partner benefits from our contract before it was ratified by the House.

Dayton\’s administration circulated an offer including domestic partner benefits during talks this year, but Dayton said they pulled the provision to keep them from certain defeat in the Republican-controlled Legislature.

If the benefits are adopted, domestic partners of state employees would become eligible for family health and dental coverage.

Democrats take over the majorities in the Legislature this month.

Adapted from an article on the MAPE website.

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