On Oct. 11, all employees of the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) received an email stating that health care benefits will now include domestic partners. The commission made the decision on the same day the email was sent.
OUC provides electric and water to the vast majority of the residents of Orlando and St. Cloud. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer sits on the board.
Rachel Gardiner is an employee of OUC. She said she that a few years ago, when the City of Orlando passed domestic partner benefits, she requested via the mayor that OUC do the same for utility employees.
Open enrollment ends in November, which will set up OUC employees to receive coverage for domestic partners beginning in 2012.
