This new endeavor is long over due and much needed in the Commonwealth, for the following reasons:

The majority of people who will benefit from this are uninsured Virginians living with a state employee. This could include children, elderly parents, other relatives, and others, including, for example, two single mothers who are sharing a home in order to support one another with child-rearing.  That same-sex couples will also benefit from this is almost secondary, although this is a significant issue in LGBT people's lives.

in light of the 10% unemployment rate in this country, it should be apparent to others that low income citizens, people of color, people with disabilities, and others are disproportionately uninsured.  Increasing health care access in this way would only have a great social benefit to our neighbors, friends, and coworkers.

At the University of Virginia, we have experienced significant attrition among LGBT faculty, staff and graduate students, because of the lack of partner benefits. It has had a negative impact on our standing among our peer institutions. I personally know quite a few people who have moved out of state because they are tired of second-class status.  These individuals are highly-educated professionals, such as physicians, research scientists, and professors whose work should be benefiting Virginia citizens.

Governor Kaine should be commended for this creative solution to a thorny problem.  This is a pro-business, pro-education, pro-citizen, pro-health initiative. Applause all around to him and all those who worked so hard with him to develop this important proposal.