Colorado Springs OK's same-sex partner benefits

The Colorado Springs, Colo., city council on Tuesday gave final approval to a plan to offer health care benefits to same-sex partners of city employees, rejecting arguments that the proposal is immoral and too expensive. Workers can begin signing up for the benefits next week. Residents David Brown and Diane Bomar asked council members to reject the proposal. Brown said he objects to the proposal on moral grounds and will continue fighting the plan, arguing that it is too expensive. The benefits are expected to cost $58,000 a year. Bomar told council members the city should not offer benefits to same-sex partners while cutting other services to make ends meet. The city council is scheduled to meet January 13 to discuss cuts of up to $1 million because of declining revenue. To be eligible for same-sex partner benefits, employees must show that they and their partners are financially dependent on each other. Documentation could include a joint mortgage or checking account.