Merkley Co-Sponsors Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act
Merkley: Senate Bill Promotes Equality for Federal Employees
May 21, 2009
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley today co-sponsored legislation that entitles all federal employees, no matter their sexual orientation, to the same employment and health care benefits as married couples.
“It is plain wrong that some federal employees are not currently entitled to equal health and employment benefits,” said Merkley. “This legislation will ensure that all federal employees, regardless of their sexual orientation, have access to employee health benefits, family and medical leave, compensation for work injuries, and the retirement and disability plans that are vital to the financial security of families.”
Senator Merkley joined a bipartisan effort in the Senate to ensure that all federal employees receive equal federal benefits. The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act will help the federal government keep pace with the 16 states, including Oregon, and the majority of Fortune 500 companies that are already offering domestic partner benefits to their employees. The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act will provide the following benefits to federal employees and their domestic partners:
- Employee health benefits
- Family, medical and emergency leave
- Retirement and disability
- Group life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
- Death and disability
- Compensation for work injuries
- Relocation, travel and related expenses
“This bill is a step in the right direction to make sure that all Americans are compensated equally under the law,” said Merkley. “It is time for the federal government to stand up for fairness and ensure that all federal employees and their loved ones are treated the same.”