The order takes effect July 1. All state employees working in agencies under the governor will be given the same benefits married state workers currently enjoy. Letters were also sent out to the state’s universities, constitutional officers, leaders of the General Assembly and heads of the retirement systems, allowing them the option of extending these benefits to their employees.

In 2004, the union of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees ( AFSCME ) —which represents roughly 37,000 state workers—ratified a four-year contract that allows same-sex domestic partner benefits during the last two years of the contract. That will also take effect July 1.

“It’s only fair that as benefits become available to some state employees—they become available to all state employees. I’m assigning this administrative order to make sure that everyone in my administration has equal access to good benefits and good healthcare,” Blagojevich stated in a press release.

Copyright Windy City Media Group, 2006