While we sit back and watch our national and local conservative opposition lie with no conscience in the healthcare debate (hey, David Anderson, would Jesus lie?), the good news comes in small doses, just enough to sustain us.
Newark City Councilman Ezra J. Temko’s proposal to extend municipal workers’ health coverage to domestic partners reportedly has cleared its main hurdle.
When Temko suggested the idea early this year in a package of proposals — including emergency and funeral leave for domestic partners approved this week by City Council — critics balked at its potential cost during economic hard times.
But Charles M. Zusag, assistant to the city manager, this week told council, “that problem appears to be resolved.” Zusag said the city’s insurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, “has agreed to provide domestic partner benefits at no extra premium.”
Although it is disheartening that a cost-benefit analysis had to be performed for equality. But I will take what I can get. Temko is someone I really admire. A college student that goes out and puts words to action, gets elected, and is serving his community. Mind you, he will be attacked by the very same conservative “Christians*” who lie with impunity about healthcare, simply because he cares about equality and tolerance.