From the VA House Democratic Caucus:
VA HOUSE DEMS: REPUBLICANS CHOSE TAX HANDOUTS FOR BIG PHARMA OVER HARDWORKING VIRGINIANS
The Virginia Chapter of the AARP released a survey finding that Virginians support creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board
RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) released its survey finding that an overwhelming majority of Virginia voters would support the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB). The MAGA extremists who had the majority in the House of Delegates this past session killed the measure in committee, preventing it from going to a full floor vote, effectively opposing lower prescription drug prices and blocking people from negotiating with the drug companies to bring down the cost.
The study found that 85% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans and 70% of independents who responded, supported a state board to regulate the cost of prescription drugs. Instead of lowering costs for medicine, MAGA Republicans in Virginia are choosing to give tax breaks to big drug companies who are already making record profits. It is clear that what Virginians want is a more affordable Virginia.
[HB 1596]
“This survey shows us what we already know: Virginians want legislators that prioritize their interests over those of these big corporations,” said House Democratic Caucus Leader Don Scott. “The MAGA Extremists in the Virginia GOP are hellbent on choosing tax breaks for these profitable corporations over our Virginia families. If they are allowed total control of the state government, their desires will become reality. They will continue to prevent legislation from passing that would have kept prescription drug prices low, adding undue strain on our families.”
“None of the information in this study comes as a surprise. We’re hearing from our constituents that prescription drug prices are entirely too high, leading Virginians to have to make choices between feeding their families or purchasing life-saving medications. The creation of a board dedicated to keeping these costs low will go a long way towards creating the more affordable Commonwealth that Virginia families want and deserve,” said House Democratic Caucus Whip Karrie Delaney. Delaney championed the House Bill that would have created the PDAB. Whip Delaney plans to re-introduce the legislation next session.
Virginia Democrats are committed to combating rising costs for hardworking Virginia families across the Commonwealth. If the MAGA extremists in the VA GOP are allowed to maintain the Majority in the House, they will take away our rights and freedoms and put the middle class at risk.
More information about the VA AARP study is available here.
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The Virginia House Democratic Caucus is running a dynamic slate of smart, accomplished and trusted candidates who reflect the diversity and the culture of the Commonwealth. To learn more about our slate of candidates, visit the House Democratic Caucus website.
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