Giannoulias extends benefits to office workers

Giannoulias extends benefits to office workers
by Sam Worley
Copyright by The Windy City Times
2010-06-16
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=26926



Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias signed an executive order June 13 that brings same-sex partners in committed relationships into the ranks of treasurer's office employees covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act ( FMLA ) .
At a signing ceremony and press conference, Giannoulias said, "Signing this executive order is a step toward marriage equality." Giannoulias, a Democrat, faces Republican Mark Kirk in this fall's U.S. Senate race.

Under current FMLA guidelines, married individuals are able to take up to 12 weeks off of work to care for a sick spouse, child or parent. Under the new rules, these benefits will be extended to treasurer's office employees in same-sex committed relationships. The policy also allows for maternity, paternity, and bereavement leave, granting a measure of job security where previously there was no legal protection.

Giannoulias' chief of staff Robin Kelly, who is running to replace him as treasurer, was present for the signing. "No one should be forced to choose between their family and their paycheck," Kelly said. "There is no truer family value than sticking together through sickness and in health."

Also speaking at the signing were state Rep. Greg Harris, Equality Illinois Public Policy Director Rick Garcia and Cleo Downing, a marketing representative in the treasurer's office.

Describing a recent instance in which her wife was hospitalized, Downing said, "This particular signing will affect me directly."

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"These aren't added bonuses or employee perks," said Giannoulias, noting that gay-friendly policies in line with those of many private sector companies will help attract employees. "Providing these benefits makes good business sense in a competitive marketplace."

Giannoulias said that the state treasurer's office employees numbers roughly 180 people, though he said he had "no offhand expectation" of how many would be affected by the policy change. Same-sex couples wanting to be recognized as domestic partners will