Gov. signs Colo. benefits bill

[ccharles000]

(Denver, Colorado) Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter has signed legislation providing health insurance and other benefits to the same-sex partners of Colorado state workers.

Ritter put his pen to the bill without fanfare. Even the bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Mark Ferrandino (D) said he did not know the governor had signed it when contacted by the Denver Post.

“It’s an important piece of legislation that will help make sure the state can attract and retain good employees and compete with the private sector,” Ferrandino told The Post.

Critics of the bill also were not informed in advance, infuriating the conservative Colorado Family Action.

“We have no doubt the governor and fellow Colorado legislators heard vehement opposition from their constituents in regards to this bill,” said Action spokesperson Jessica Langfeldt in a statement.

“If the signing of Senate Bill 88 did not disregard the desires of the people, why was it signed in the dark of the night?”

Under the legislation, a state employee would have to be in a committed relationship for at least a year.

http://www.365gay.com/uncategorized/gov-signs-colo-benefits-bill/

[ShadowLiberal]

1. Well it's a start at least

It's not gay marriage, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. Though I guess the governor/legislature couldn't legalize gay marriage anyway, as it looks like their voters passed a gay marriage ban in 2006.

[donheld]

2. Great news

No it's not the whole war won, but it's a push to that end.