Without agreement on table, Parson will not recall lawmakers for birth control debate | Politics

“Anytime there are billions of dollars at stake, it’s a dangerous game to play. This is exactly what is happening now, ”Hough said.

Approval of the tax was in limbo after conservative Republican senators blocked the renewal of the tax during the regular session of the legislature, which ended on May 14.

Parson said that without the approval of the tax, he will take action to limit spending on other government programs starting July 1. The tax, which expires Sept. 30, is estimated at $ 1.6 billion.

Last week, Parson called the issue a “big deal.”

“It has a dramatic effect on state government,” the governor said. “It’s more of a billion dollar hole in the budget.”

Republicans like Senator Paul Wieland, R-Imperial, want to ban coverage of certain birth control methods such as the Plan B pill and intrauterine devices, or IUDs, despite fears the federal government will reject such a move. .

Senator Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, wants provisions that limit funding for Planned Parenthood.

Drugs that would not be covered by an earlier version of the legislation include levonorgestrel (plan B) and a second emergency contraceptive, ella. It also restricts intrauterine devices, or IUDs. These methods prevent pregnancy; the legislation also distinguishes the abortion pill, which terminates a pregnancy.