Speaking With The Speaker

This morning, I was able to speak personally with Speaker, Kelliher, bagel in hand, on her way into the House chamber. I told her that I would sure like to see the Municipal Health Benefits language reinserted into the Health and Human Services bill. She told me it had actually been in the State Government bill...DOH! Oh well, she got the message and I hope she finds a way to reassert that measure. It would undoubtedly result in cities and towns across the state providing equal spousal benefits to their gay employees. This change in local government policy would have a pervasive warming effect on attitudes toward gay people and our issues in Minnesota.

On another note, the Speaker offered encouragement on the prospects for Hospital Visitation Rights becoming law.