Partner benefits bill killed

This from the Herald-Leader:

Would have prevented benefits at public universities

FRANKFORT --- A House committee killed a bill that would have prevented public universities and other government agencies from providing health insurance to unmarried domestic partners.

The House Health and Welfare Committee heard from Sen. Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs, who sponsored Senate Bill 112. Members asked few questions before voting 9 to 6 against the bill.

McGaha's bill would have prevented the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky from offering health benefits to the unmarried partners of their employees. Both universities offer health benefits to domestic partners. The bill would have allowed coverage for family members living with employees, such as grandparents or parents.

The committee deadlocked, 8 to 8, on a similar bill last year after three hearings.

Sen. Ernesto Scorsone, D-Lexington, said defeat of the bill was a victory for fairness and the right to buy health care. "Folks just want to have the ability to purchase health insurance for their loved ones," he said.

McGaha said the bill was necessary because of a 2004 constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between a man and a woman...