A proposal to give state employees domestic-partner benefits was quietly filed with the Arizona Secretary of State's Office last month, The Arizona Republic reported. The public has 30 days to comment on the plan, which will be decided by a six-member board appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano. Representatives for the governor said she supports the proposal.
"It's inappropriate. I will support no such thing," Rep. Russell Pearce, a Mesa Republican and chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, told the newspaper. "This is absolutely outrageous."
The change could add up to 850 people to the state's benefits plan, costing the state $1.3 million to $4.2 million the first year, according to estimates.
Peter Gentala, an attorney with the Center for Arizona Policy, said the proposal amounts to an "end run" around state law.
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If you live in Arizona, urge your state lawmakers to protect traditional marriage and oppose domestic-partner benefits. You can find contact information through our Action Center.
