The State may pay part of the premiums or charges for such group life insurance contract or contracts and may appropriate any money necessary to pay such premiums or charges, or portions thereof. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, any contribution required of any employee toward the cost of such insurance may be deducted from the pay, salary or compensation of such employee. The expenditure of funds of the State for payment of part of the premiums shall be deemed to be a regular business expenditure and shall not be considered compensation paid to the employee so insured.