Colorado Springs Gazette (April 26, 2009)

DENVER • The state House of Representatives gave final approval Tuesday to a bill extending health insurance and other benefits to the same-sex partners of state employees.

A 34-30 vote on SB88 sent the measure to the desk of Gov. Bill Ritter. If he signs it, a state employee can get benefits for a same-sex partner if the employee declares that he or she has been in a committed relationship for at least a year.

The nonpartisan Legislative Council estimated that the bill would cost roughly $150,000 in additional benefits payments when it goes into effect in July 2010.

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