In Veto, Governor Youngkin Sides With Big Pharma Over Affordability for Virginians

Youngkin Veto Stops Bipartisan Bill to Lower Cost of Medicine

RICHMOND, Va. – Today, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed HB1724, patroned by Delegate Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax), a bipartisan bill that would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to lower the cost of medicine in Virginia.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) bill passed both chambers of the General Assembly with strong support on both sides of the aisle. According to a 2023 AARP poll, a PDAB has support from 85% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans, and 70% of Independents across the commonwealth.

The independent board of health and medical experts, appointed by the House, Senate and governor, would have worked to lower the costs of Virginia’s most burdensome drugs. The board would have used proven data-based strategies already working in other states to understand the root causes of high medicine costs, including input from manufacturers, PBMs, insurers, and other stakeholders when determining the affordability of selected drugs. It would have delivered cost benefits to 7+ million Virginians who are not eligible for savings under current Medicare price negotiations.

“I’m disappointed to see Governor Youngkin again take the side of big pharmaceutical companies over the people of Virginia,” said Delegate Delaney. “Prices are up in all areas of the economy, and hardworking Virginia families need relief now. This bill would have taken crucial steps toward lowering the cost of medicine. Instead, Governor Youngkin caved to Big Pharma’s special interests, which will continue to inflate the price of prescription drugs for Virginians. We must ensure hardworking Virginians get the relief they need, and I hope the next governor will sign bipartisan legislation to lower the cost of medicine.”

“I’m sad to see Governor Youngkin veto the Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation and deny hardworking Virginians access to affordable medicine,” said impacted Virginia Beach resident Bernita Richardson. “In a just society, people should not have to choose between paying for basic human needs like food, shelter, and medication to survive. Working in health care, you see the toll it takes when someone cannot access their life-saving medication. Medicine cannot do its job if you cannot afford it, and the governor’s decision to veto this bill will put hardworking Virginians in jeopardy. I’m thankful to Delegate Delaney and her commitment to affordability, and I hope next year the Prescription Drug Affordability Board will become a reality.”

“The governor has made his priority clear, once again siding with Big Pharma donors instead of fighting for hardworking Virginians,” said Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “The Prescription Drug Affordability Board bill would have helped ensure lower prescription costs for Virginians at a time when the cost of living continues to rise exponentially. As someone who lives with type-1 diabetes, I know how valuable affordable prescription drugs can be. All people should have access to life-saving medication at a reasonable price. We hope the next administration understands what it means to support Virginia families and will not stand in the way of legislation to lower the cost of medicine.”