One of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus' priorities during its 90-day session will be expanding the powers of the state's Prescription Drug Affordability Commission, members said Thursday.
Jennifer White-Holland (D-Baltimore County), who announced the caucus' agenda at a press conference, said the proposed bill is called the “Reducing Prescription Drug Costs for All Maryland Act.”
“Patients in Maryland are forced to stop taking their medications, have their medications rationed, or leave their prescriptions on the pharmacy counter because of cost,” said Dr. White-Holland says. “We know all too well that these rising costs are a burden on all Marylanders, especially our African American community, which faces persistent racial health inequities. ”
White-Holland said she and Rep. Bonnie Callison (D-Montgomery) will be the lead sponsors of the bill in the House. In the Senate, the bill will be introduced by Sens. Brian Feldman (D-Montgomery) and Dawn Jile (D-Anne Arundel).
The commission is currently beginning work to assess prescription drug affordability and require lower drug prices under local and state government health plans. The Maryland Healthcare for All Coalition, a major advocacy group, called on Congress to lower drug prices for all Marylanders.
Feldman, chair of the Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee, and Rep. Joseline Peña Melnyk (D-Anne Arundel and Prince George's), chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee, announced the Affordability Act in the General Assembly. led the effort. Appointed to the Board of Directors in 2019.
But the board lagged behind when former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) vetoed a bill to fund early efforts. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and economic uncertainty also hampered progress.
Also among the caucus' priorities are at least two previously filed bills focused on education: Senate Bill 161 and House Bill 200. They were proposed by Sen. Alonzo Washington (D-Prince George's) and in the House by Rep. Janelle Wilkins (D-Montgomery), chair of the Black Caucus.
The bill's focus is to expand the number of designated community schools in school systems with fewer than 40 schools, and is part of Maryland's blueprint for future education reform plans.
Community schools receive concentrated poverty grants and partner with local organizations to support educators, parents, and children's families.Some of the services available to community school students This includes before or after school tutoring, English language learner courses, and food pantries.
Each community school has a school coordinator and a health worker.
A hearing on the Senate bill is scheduled for Wednesday in the Budget and Taxation Committee, and a hearing on the House bill is scheduled for Jan. 30 in the Appropriations Committee, according to the General Assembly's website.
When another bill is introduced, The Office of the Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General addresses concerns regarding and related matters to individuals in the custody of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Rep. Debra Davis (D-Charles) introduced House Bill 297 this year, marking the fifth time lawmakers have considered the bill. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Shelley Hettleman (D-Baltimore County) and is cross-filed as Senate Bill 134.
“The ombudsman will be able to provide a voice to those behind the walls and their families and investigate the conditions at the facility,” Davis said. “Improve” [correctional] This system could save hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars in Maryland lawsuits and jury verdicts. ”
Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) continues to support the bill, which passed the Senate last year but died in the House Rules Committee.
The Senate version is scheduled for a hearing before the Judicial Procedures Committee on February 7th.
