Professors upset over bill to ban partner benefits

ANN ARBOR (AP) -- Professors at the University of Michigan predict there will be resignations if state lawmakers ban health insurance for domestic partners of public employees. Andries Coetzee tells AnnArbor.com he's already looking for a new job. He says the insurance has helped his seven-year partner, whose cancer is in remission. The linguistics professor is questioning his decision to turn down a job at New York University and choose Michigan 10 years ago. At least seven U-M professors have signed a letter, asking Gov. Rick Snyder not to sign House Bill 4770 if passed by the Senate. The university says same-sex benefits are important for recruiting and keeping top faculty. Rep. Dave Agema, a Republican from the Grand Rapids area, says taxpayers shouldn't have to cover the bill. Published: Tue, Nov 1, 2011