“This is not an issue about access,” said Lamping.
“All employees still have access to these services. This is an issue
about who pays for them.”
Under current law, employers are not required to offer
health care coverage for employees.
A number of employers have announced their intent to
discontinue health insurance coverage for their employees as a result of the
federal government’s mandate.
“The stories we are hearing of businesses that are
considering dropping their insurance coverage rather than violating their
beliefs are alarming,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, R- St.
Charles. “This veto override was extremely important, because it gives
employers the option to continue to provide health care benefits without being
forced to pay for something that goes against their religious beliefs or moral
convictions.”
SB 749 passed the General Assembly during the regular
legislative session, only later to be vetoed by the governor. In order to
override the veto in the Senate, 23 votes were needed. The House also
took up and overrode the governor’s veto, so the bill becomes law effective
immediately.
Senate
Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, added, “Religious freedom is the cornerstone
of America. It is important we protect
Missourians from the federal government infringing on our First Amendment
rights. By overriding this veto, we are keeping government out of our
businesses and from telling religious organizations they must violate their beliefs
to fulfill this mandate.”
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