As a local elected official, I strongly support this proposal as it will help our universities - and our state government - compete for the best and most sought after faculty and workforce in the country.  It is good business, as most of the private sector discovered long ago, to offer such expanded health benefits to our employees.

As I read the comments, some of the strongest concern and opposition is focused on the cost of the proposed program.  I offer two reasons why this concern is not valid.

First, I offer an anecdotal but factual experience of Arlington County during the 35 month period when our County offered expanded health and dental benefits, 1998-2000.  Prior to my joining the County Board, a policy decision was made that County employees could obtain coverage for one adult in addition to themselves.  Certain criteria were  established to define and limit eligibility.  We stopped the benefits program when a court ruling directed that we obtain authority from the General Assembly in order to continue the program.  We have received that support from the Virginia Senate, but come up short in the VA House of Delegates.

However, during the 35 months that the program was in place there was NO NET COST.  At the time, Arlington covered over 4,100 active and retired members under our health program.  Thirty-eight employees participated in this program and contributed over $61,000 in premiums while the plan paid out just under $60,000 in benefit claims.  Thus, in our experience, participant contributions exceeded expenses.

Secondly, the Governor's proposed benefit plan is REVENUE-NEUTRAL.  Thus, premiums will be adjusted to ensure that there is sufficient revenue collected to cover any benefit claims.

Arlington has lost employees to counties in Maryland and to the District of Columbia.  One way to stem the future loss of key faculty and staff is to enact this proposal and enhance Virginia's competitiveness.