The Dane County Board could consider an ordinance requiring companies doing business with the county to offer domestic partner benefits to their employees.
Under the proposal, businesses that have contracts with Dane County would have to make the same benefits that are offered for spouses of employees available to domestic partners. County Executive Kathleen Falk says it's an issue of fairness for all workers. She says the proposal is just another basic requirement companies will need to meet, if they want to work for the County.
Dane County currenlty offers domestic partner benefits for its employees. Falk says many private companies have already realized there's very little extra cost, and it helps to attract good employees. She expects many to have no problem falling in line with the requirement, if it's adopted.
The proposal will be introduced at tonight's County Board meeting. It could be several months though before it goes up for a vote.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)
