Maryland Matters
October 4, 2018
Josh Kurtz
More than 130 candidates for state office – including Democratic gubernatorial nominee Benjamin T. Jealous – have pledged to support a proposal to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Thirty-three Senate candidates and 99 House candidates have signed on. The list features three Republicans, including one incumbent: Del. Rick Impallaria, who represents Baltimore and Harford counties; Stephanie Boston, who is challenging Sen. Delores P. Kelley (D-Baltimore County); and Harvey Jacobs, who is running in Montgomery County’s 15th District.
“We believe that Maryland voters will elect a General Assembly committed to passing this life-saving legislation,” said Vincent DeMarco, president of the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative, which has been working hard to collect the lawmaker commitments.
The legislation would set up a board that would require drug manufacturers to justify the high cost of their medications. The panel would also establish a reasonable price Marylanders would pay for prescription drugs.
The legislation was introduced and failed in the 2018 General Assembly session. But advocates plan to try again next year.
Click here to see the full list of candidates who pledged to support the proposal.
Last modified: October 4, 2018
