The Oregon Public Employees’ Benefit Board has decided to offer health benefits to domestic partners of state employees. Linda King, University of Oregon Human Resources Director said “I see it as a good thing. … Anything that makes us a more attractive employer helps in recruitment and retention. It also seems more equitable for our employees.”
State officials expect health benefits to increase as little as 1 percent. The state spends $180 million on health benefits annually. New York, Vermont, the Bank of America, Hewlett-Packard and IBM all offer benefits to employees’ domestic partners.
