Highlights from the Legislature on Tuesday:
— The House State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Committee approved a bill extending health insurance coverage to the partners of gay and lesbian state workers. Under the bill approved Tuesday, partners who have been in a committed partnership with a state employee for at least a year would be eligible for coverage.
— Republican and Democratic leaders discussed a possible compromise on a measure (Senate Bill 223) to end automatic transfers to transportation when the economy is good and give lawmakers the flexibility to spend more on things like safety net programs and higher education. Currently, the operating side of the state’s general fund budget, which covers things like public schools, prisons and higher education, can only grow up to 6 percent annually. Any leftover money must be spent on transportation and building projects.
— The Senate backed off its stance that the state spend about $18 million to promote tourism and the arts this year. Instead, it backed the House position to spend $15 million. Originally the state planned to spend $20 million but that had to be cut back because of the recession.
