Giannoulias Extends Domestic-Partner Benefits
Giannoulias Extends Domestic-Partner Benefits
Copyright by The Windy City Times
2007-06-20
In a move that seemed particularly appropriate during Gay Pride Month, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias held a press conference and reception on June 17 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, to announce domestic-partner benefits for employees of his office.
Since Gov. Rod Blagojevich extended health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees last year, the office of the treasurer—which, until recently, was headed by Judy Baar Topinka—was the only of the constitutional state offices to not follow suit. Now, same-sex domestic partners of all employees in Giannoulias’ office can receive medical, dental and vision benefits.
“This is health care coverage for families, plain and simple,” Giannoulias said, as officials ranging from State Reps. Greg Harris and Sara Feigenholtz to Roosevelt University President Charles Middleton stood behind him. “This isn’t an added bonus or an employee perk. It’s about providing all employees with equal access to health care benefits.”
Giannoulias then introduced one of his employees, Sharon Garchitorena, to the audience. Garchitorena, a financial educator who has worked in the treasurer’s office for over five years, always wanted to put her partner of nine years, Tina, on her insurance plan but could not, Giannoulias explained. Now, the treasurer said, Sharon and Tina ( in lower pic, with Sharon on the right ) —who co-own a home and co-parent the latter’s two sons—will now be able to enjoy the advantages of domestic-partner benefits.
“I just want to thank the treasurer for giving us the opportunity to have health benefits, which have been a long time coming,” Sharon said. She also thanked one of her sons, Henry, and her mother-in-law, Gloria, for attending the press conference.
According to a release from Giannoulias’ office, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability; the Executive Ethics Commission; the House Republicans; the Illinois Board of Examiners; the Judicial Inquiry Board; and the Senate Republicans have not yet extended domestic-partner benefits. Photos and text by Andrew Davis
Copyright by The Windy City Times
2007-06-20
In a move that seemed particularly appropriate during Gay Pride Month, Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias held a press conference and reception on June 17 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, to announce domestic-partner benefits for employees of his office.
Since Gov. Rod Blagojevich extended health benefits to same-sex partners of state employees last year, the office of the treasurer—which, until recently, was headed by Judy Baar Topinka—was the only of the constitutional state offices to not follow suit. Now, same-sex domestic partners of all employees in Giannoulias’ office can receive medical, dental and vision benefits.
“This is health care coverage for families, plain and simple,” Giannoulias said, as officials ranging from State Reps. Greg Harris and Sara Feigenholtz to Roosevelt University President Charles Middleton stood behind him. “This isn’t an added bonus or an employee perk. It’s about providing all employees with equal access to health care benefits.”
Giannoulias then introduced one of his employees, Sharon Garchitorena, to the audience. Garchitorena, a financial educator who has worked in the treasurer’s office for over five years, always wanted to put her partner of nine years, Tina, on her insurance plan but could not, Giannoulias explained. Now, the treasurer said, Sharon and Tina ( in lower pic, with Sharon on the right ) —who co-own a home and co-parent the latter’s two sons—will now be able to enjoy the advantages of domestic-partner benefits.
“I just want to thank the treasurer for giving us the opportunity to have health benefits, which have been a long time coming,” Sharon said. She also thanked one of her sons, Henry, and her mother-in-law, Gloria, for attending the press conference.
According to a release from Giannoulias’ office, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability; the Executive Ethics Commission; the House Republicans; the Illinois Board of Examiners; the Judicial Inquiry Board; and the Senate Republicans have not yet extended domestic-partner benefits. Photos and text by Andrew Davis
posted by Carlos T Mock @ 8:04 PM
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