Citing the potential for expansion of domestic partner benefits, the governor vetoed a bill that would have modified the definition of “dependents” relating to group benefits for local government employees.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Linda Higgins (DFL-Mpls), it would have authorized a local unit of government to define the word “dependent” for the purpose of providing group benefits to a dependent. The provision was also part of the 2007 omnibus state government bill vetoed by the governor.
“The provisions in this bill would permit unlimited expansion of employment benefits to domestic partners and others by local units of government,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty wrote in his veto message. “I vetoed nearly identical language last year, and my position has not changed.”
HF1097/SF960*/CH342