At the same time, the Government is expanding parental benefits for its own employees.

But opponents of the measure have said that it would increase costs to employers and make them reluctant to add workers or to expand benefits.

Earlier this year, he voted to expand benefits for domestic partners.

A few years ago the state expanded medical benefits to cover more people but fewer ailments.

The new law expands educational benefits for a new generation of veterans.

"The court has expanded benefits but no one reacted until it became a crisis situation."

This was a dream world for politicians; they could expand benefits and cut taxes.

The Senate also faces renewal of two important family welfare programs and is not likely to expand benefits significantly.

And the money saved could be used to expand benefits or be shared with employees.

"The movement to expand benefits to more groups is running smack into programs to cut costs," he said.