Benefits for Federal Same-Sex Partners Could Cost $310 Million

The Congressional Budget Office is estimating that legislation to provide benefits for the same-sex partners of federal employees "would increase direct spending by $101 million over the 2010-2015 period and $310 million through 2020," the Washington Post is reporting. 

In June, the President endorsed the idea of extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers.  These benefits would include coverage by the long-term-care insurance program and permission for staffers to use their sick leave to take care of their loved ones.

Currently, the spouses of opposite sex couples are entitled and are collecting from the benefits program, no questions asked.  

However, Republicans and Independents in Congress are concerned about the additional costs associated with the measure. 

According to a report released on May 11 by the Budget office, "The CBO assumes that about 0.33 percent of federal employees would choose to register a same-sex domestic partnership if given the opportunity."

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