MVP and MIP on DP benefits for federal employees.
Last week the Senate committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held its hearing on the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act. In comparison to the House hearing held this summer, the Q & A took wonderfully positive steps in the direction AtMP advocates: let every federal employee share employment benefits with one non-dependent adult, regardless of gender or sexual relationship.
Senator Sue Collins has been our Most Valuable Player on this bill for years; she consistently and sincerely raises the example of Maine’s inclusive domestic partnership registry and benefits for state employees (as opposed to the specious questions raised by Representative Chafetz in the House hearing). We are delighted to also give a Most Improved Player award to John Berry, the director of the federal Office of Personnel Management for responding to Sen. Collins that “You clearly have identified a fairness issue” and for promising that the federal government will look into the costs of extending more inclusive benefits. This is extraordinary progress over a just few months. For a good time, listen to their exchange at appx. 70:20 in this video clip.
Congratulations and a big thank you to all the AtMP members who have been working on this project, especially the fantastic team in Madison, Wisconsin who are committed to the crucial task of educating Representative Tammy Baldwin. Pablo the intern is trying to build a similar team of Connecticut residents to educate Senator Lieberman – can you help?
