(Annapolis, Maryland) Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has proposed giving health, dental and prescription drug benefits to state employees’ domestic partners and their dependents in his Fiscal Year 2010 budget. 

The governor’s plan fulfills a campaign pledge to the LGBT community.  O’Malley previously was mayor of Baltimore where he passed a similar benefits plan.  A number of other local governments in the state also provide partner benefits.

The governor previously attempted to introduce benefits in 2006 but that and other LGBT bills failed in the legislature.

Republicans continue to oppose providing benefits.

House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D) and Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chair Ulysses Currie (D) have voiced support, though Currie said that it is still early in the budget process.

Maryland would join fifteen other states and the District of Columbia in offering health benefits to state employees if the bill is enacted.

“This opportunity to expand health care will only require a minimal state investment, since Maryland can expect a less than 1 percent increase in enrollment, based upon other states’ experiences,” said Equality Maryland Executive Director Kate Runyon. 

“While Maryland’s investment will be small, it will have a huge impact on the health of many state employees who have been struggling to make ends meet and find quality, affordable care for their families.”

O’Malley’s proposed budget went to the legislature as hundreds of gays lobbied lawmakers for marriage equality legislation. A proposed bill failed to gain traction last year, despite having 49 cosponsors. A similar bill is to be introduced this year.

Among those joining the demonstrators was Gene Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire who was invited inside to deliver the prayer in the Senate.

Robinson asked God to bless the legislators with “anger at discrimination in all its forms.” and for lawmakers to be blessed with “freedom from fear,” including fear of their next election and criticism from unpopular votes – both thinly veiled references to the marriage bill.