County Approves Benefits For Domestic Partners

updated 3 p.m.

Domestic-partner benefits will be extended to Milwaukee County employees under a measure passed by the county board Thursday.

Supervisors voted 13-5 to extend health benefits to domestic partners gay and straight, according to a Fox 6 story. It will cost about $700,000.

Milwaukee County Supervisors Marina Dimitrijevic and Eyon Biddle Sr. released a statement praising the county board, saying the county will better compete with the private sector for employees.

"As county supervisors, we must ensure that all employees are treated equally and fairly," the statement said. "We look forward to joining the many other public and private sector employers that already treat employees fairly and equally.

"A supermajority of county supervisors supported this change, sending the strong message that Milwaukee County wants to hire the best and the brightest. This will help us better compete as we look to attract workers starting or continuing their careers in Milwaukee County government."

Other supervisors blasted the move for the $700,000 price tag.

In a statement, supervisors Joseph Rice and Joe Sanfelippo criticized Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, who supported the measure and has indicated he will sign it.

"County Executive Abele has rung up a $700,000 new bill for taxpayers in 2012. This action appears to run counter to County Executive Abele's campaign pledge of offering a no tax increase budget," Rice said. "Where does he intend to make up this $700,000 gap? If not through new taxes, then what programs does he intend to cut?"

For more, see the story on Fox 6.