Domestic Partner Benefits Watch:

The Ubiquity Board is actively working with ASU Administration and others outside the University, and watching for updates on this important matter. Check this space for news, information about upcoming meetings, and what we're doing.

Update: September 8, 2009, 9:00 AM
On Friday afternoon, the Governor signed into legislation the budget for FY 2010. Included in the legislation http://azgovernor.gov/DMS/upload/PR_090409_HB2013.pdf (see page 24 lines 44-45 and page 25 line 1) are changes to insurance coverage for domestic partners and dependent children.

We are working with the Arizona Department of Administration to get clarification on the language and on the effective date and should have more guidance at some point this week.

All updates will be posted on the OHR Benefits website at www.asu.edu/hr/benefits/openenrollment.html

Update: September 8, 2009, 3:00 PM
State Representative Kyrsten Sinema sent the following message to Ubiquity: "Hi everyone, just a quick note as you talk about this sad loss. We don't know what date partners will lose benefits. While the bill said Oct 1, 2010, the bill itself won't become law until early December 2010 (bills other than the "feed" budget bill take effect 90 days after the Gov's signature). Furthermore, there is question as to whether people who enrolled during open enrollment (ended last Friday) can have their benefits taken away this cycle, or whether the state must wait until the next open enrollment cycle (August 2010).

So it's important not to make statements about WHEN your benefits will be lost - because we don't know.

I have asked the Attorney General for an opinion, he's reached out to the Solicitor General. I've also asked the Joint Legislative Budget Committee and the Dept. of Administration for their opinions as well. I will let you know when I've rec'd responses.

Sincerely,
State Rep. Kyrsten Sinema"