State retirees now eligible for same-sex benefits
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State retirees now eligible for same-sex benefits

Date: October 27, 2014
By: Matt Kalish
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
The retirement system for state employees will now extend benefits to same-sex couples married in other states.
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OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The Board of Trustees for retirement system which covers state employees voted Monday to extend spousal benefits to same-sex married couples.

The six to three vote by the board came after State Treasurer Clint Zweifel made a motion asking the board to discuss the issue.

State Republican party director Matt Wills called the treasurer's move a desperate attempt to stay relevant.

Actuality:  WILLS01.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "There's not really anything much to say about it other than the fact there's a law on the books and until it is successfully struck down it's on the books."

Zweifel, who was not made available for comment, applauded the decision in a statement.

Reporting from the state capitol I'm Matt Kalish, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro: 
Same-sex couples are now covered by the retirement for state employees
RunTime:  0:50
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Same-sex couples might not be able to get married in Missouri, but they're now covered by the retirement plan for state employees.

In a six to three vote, the plan's board of trustees voted Monday to entend spousal benefits to same-sex couples married in other states.

PROMO executive director A.J. Bockelman praised the move. 

Actuality:  AJ1.WAV
Run Time:  00:10
Description: What we're seeing is that a number of our agencies are adopting to the barrier decision out of kansas city a few weeks ago. We anticipate more news like this coming forward

This follows Governor Jay Nixon's decision to allow same-sex couples to file joint tax returns. The healthcare plan for state employees also covers same-sex couples.

Missouri Republican party director Matt Wills criticized the move, citing the state's consitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Reporting from the state capitol, Matt Kalish Newsradio 1120 KMOX.