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Metro extends benefits to same-sex partners

Tana Weingartner
/
WVXU

Metro will begin offering health benefits to domestic partners in January 2015.  The busing agency says it is the first transit system of its size in the state to take this step.

Before becoming Metro's Ridership development manager, Kim Lahman  says she benefited from a similar program offered by her partner's employer.

"We know first hand what it means to have the flexibility and have the equality as others do in the workplace," says Lahman. "I'm very happy. I'm very proud about this day. If you could visualize me, I'm really doing a cartwheel in front of the cameras right now."

Metro  has about 850 employees. CEO Terry Garcia Crews expects about three percent will take advantage of the new option.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.