March 5, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball will further endorse proposed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board along with the Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative and other local leaders at an event in Annapolis MD tomorrow. Prior to General Assembly hearings in the Senate Finance and House Health and Government Operations Committees, the group will launch radio and social media ads featuring local officials, including Ball, and residents negatively impacted by drug price gouging. Ball and others are scheduled to testify before the committees beginning at 1 p.m.
The legislation is intended to make drug costs more affordable for people of Howard County and all Marylanders through a Board that will review and establish fair and affordable drug costs for Marylanders.
“Howard County has been and will continue to be at the forefront of health care innovations for our residents with initiatives such as ‘Healthy Howard’ – a holistic approach to providing health care to our uninsured that predated the ACA,” said Howard County Executive Ball. “Today, we are proud to support Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative’s proposed legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to control soaring drug costs. Prescription drug prices are hurting people across Howard County and we need to stand up and speak up to help all Marylanders afford their medications.”
WHO:
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
Sen. Katherine Klausmeier, lead Senate sponsor
Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, lead House sponsor
Del. Darryl Barnes, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman
Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh
Residents hurt by high prescription drug prices and coalition partners
Vincent DeMarco, President, Maryland Citizens’ Health Initiative
WHAT:
Local leaders will launch a radio and social media ad campaign to support legislation to establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board prior to participating in legislative hearings
WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Noon
WHERE: Treaty of Paris Restaurant, Maryland Inn, 16 Church Circle, Annapolis
WHY: Local leaders show support for the creation of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to control drug prices.