According to Jennifer Levi, the GLAD attorney who argued before the SJC, Cities and towns in Massachusetts have broad home rule powers to act in local interests. Local laws like Boston s complement the State insurance laws by filling gaps in insurance coverage. The Mayor s Order implicitly acknowledges that some of Boston s 20,000 employees have families with no other access to insurance coverage. A number of cities and towns, including Springfield, Northampton, Cambridge, and Brookline have domestic partnership health insurance plans. Mary Bonauto, GLAD s Civil Rights Director, stated, Government employers are now recognizing what has long been known in the private sector.
Families come in many forms.
Having access to health insurance is fair from an equal compensation perspective. The Town of Brookline and City of Cambridge filed letters with the Court supporting the position that they have the power to provide domestic partner benefits. Kay Schmidt, a paramedic who has worked for the city for 11 years, explained that having access to health insurance through the City is critical for me and my family. My partner Diane stays at home and takes care of our two children. I work overtime and am the sole supporter of our family.