The Congressional Budget Office has released its cost estimate for H.R. 3685 – the version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007 that does not include gender identity protection. CBO estimates that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission would experience a 5% increase in caseload, requiring the hiring of 60-80 additional staff. The cost is projected to be $4 million in 2008 and $6 million each year from 2009 to 2012. Without ENDA, the EEOC’s anticipated budget for 2008 is $339 million.

• WATCH LIST: Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2007