Becker Plans To Fight Discrimination If Elected

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Lawmaker Ralph Becker wants to take the ruler to discrimination should he be elected mayor of Salt Lake City in November.

As part of the action plan for his first six months in office, Becker says he plans to expand the city's non-discrimination policies. This includes requiring companies that contract with Salt Lake City to extend benefits to domestic partners of employees if they already provide those benefits to spouses. Becker also plans to lobby insurance providers to encourage companies to provide these benefits.

Becker's opponent, Salt Lake City Council member Dave Buhler, says an executive order already exists that requires its business partners to provide such coverage. He says he would do the same or work with the city council to pass an ordinance. Beyond that, Buhler says he believes the city has done everything it can legally do in the non-discrimination arena.

Becker's 180-Day Action Plan also includes changing the city's retirement policy to allow designation of domestic partners as beneficiaries.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom and Election 2007. Copyright 2009 KCPW