Fake solutions for drug pricing

Last week, Senate Democrats jammed through partisan legislation following orders from the governor to create a prescription drug board. This board would be made up of political appointees and special interest groups, and the legislation ignores pleas from patients who deserve a say in how this should work and impact the price of medicine.

These bills are not a solution to the problem of high prescription drug prices, and we know this because they’ve been taken directly from other states where there have been no real savings for patients. At worst, they could actually make it harder for patients to access medication they need. Eight other states have similar boards which have all failed to lower the cost of prescription drugs and have actually threatened access to and the development of life-saving medicine, disproportionately impacting patients with rare diseases and disabilities.

Sadly—and it’s clear to anyone who is watching—this legislation’s hurried passage is more about helping the governor pad her far-left, progressive resume than helping reduce prescription drug cost for the people of Michigan. Senate Republicans introduced amendments to ban political donors from serving on the board and to make it accountable to the people of our state, but unfortunately Democrats shot down these commonsense changes.

I am ready and willing to work on real solutions to combat the rising costs of prescription drugs, but I was not sent to Lansing to help our governor veer left of California’s governor for whatever future presidential aspirations those two might have. This fast-tracked legislation might be good for a press release, but it won’t help struggling Michiganders.

Should you have any questions or concerns about the legislature or state government, please do not hesitate to contact my office by going to www.SenatorAricNesbitt.com. You may also reach out by calling (517) 373-0793 or by email at SenANesbitt@senate.Michigan.gov. My staff would be happy to assist with issues you may be having with state government agencies, and I look forward to listening and learning about your priorities and concerns for our state.