Senator Paul Gazelka released the following statement in response to the lawsuit filed by PhRMA:

“We are very disappointed with the drug manufacturers’ lawsuit against the Alec Smith Act after so much work went into a compromise bill assuring no Minnesotan would have to go without insulin,” said Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake).

“Senate Republicans remain committed to providing emergency insulin for those in crisis no matter what happens with this poorly timed lawsuit.”

Senator Michelle Benson, Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, released the following statement in response to the lawsuit filed by PhRMA against the Alec Smith Affordable Insulin Act – 

“I am disappointed that PhRMA has decided to file a lawsuit against Minnesota’s insulin affordability program. The program ensures safe and affordable insulin is readily available to all Minnesotans in need.

“Throughout the process of developing this program, Senate Republicans raised concerns about litigation risk to the House authors. We made every effort to reduce that risk while accomplishing the goal of insulin affordability. Senator Pratt carried a proposal that met these goals. 

“PhRMA is missing the mark by wasting time and money on this lawsuit. Minnesotans would be far better off if the pharmaceutical industry would focus on fairness in pricing.

You shouldn’t have to be a powerful government or a special interest group to have access to fair prices. All Minnesotans want to be treated fairly.”