Officials say Connecticut governor should sign health partnership bill

Connecticut's Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell should approve a bill that would open state-employee health insurance to municipalities, small businesses and nonprofits, said a group of Democratic town officials and state lawmakers during a press conference. The conference was one of several such meetings that bill proponents are having across the state as they attempt to sway Rell to sign the Connecticut Health Partnership bill. Proponents say it would offer an alternative, less costly coverage plan to people, nonprofits and businesses. Opponents argue it would probably drive up state costs as much as $78 million.