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House GOP Blocks Vote on CHEER ACT

Thursday, April 30, 2015

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, the House Republican Majority used parliamentary games to again block a vote on the Contraceptive Health Equity and Employee Rights (CHEER) Act. The amendment, offered by Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-Saint Paul) was blocked from a vote because the House GOP didn’t think prescription contraception coverage was related to a bill governing health plans that offer drug coverage. This is the second time this week that the Republicans have used parliamentary tricks to block a vote on contraception. During debate on the Health and Human Services Omnibus bill on Tuesday, Rep. Murphy offered the same amendment, but the House GOP blocked a vote using similar tactics.

The CHEER Act requires employers who cover prescription coverage to their employees to include all FDA approved contraception without cost sharing. The amendment provides an exemption for religious organizations.

Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-Saint Paul) issued the following statement:

“I’m deeply disappointed that we’re continuing to play games with women’s health. Reducing unwanted pregnancies and making sure women have access to life saving medication should be something in which the Minnesota House of Representatives should find common cause.

“I’m astonished that the House Republican Majority has again blocked a vote on the CHEER Act. This is an issue that affects women and their families, their health and their pocketbooks. Access to contraception should not be up to someone’s boss, and it certainly shouldn’t be denied because of parliamentary games played by the Republicans. I had hoped that this legislature would prioritize women’s health and would have allowed a vote on the CHEER Act.”

Rep. Murphy can be reached at (651) 296-8799 or by email at rep.erin.murphy@house.mn.

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