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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Pressure Builds on MN Senate for Prescription Drug Commission

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Thursday, March 12, 2020   

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The high cost of prescription drugs affects many Minnesotans and has caught the attention of policymakers.

But plans for an independent state commission to protect consumers are gridlocked, despite bipartisan support.

The Prescription Drug Affordability Commission would examine the costs of medications, and set limits if deemed necessary.

Minneapolis resident Jessica Intermill suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, with drug costs of about $50,000. She says she's lucky to have insurance coverage, but notes that the out-of-pocket expenses are more than she would like.

"It's something that at this point I can plan for, but it still is, you know -- I have many other things I'd rather be doing with over $10,000," she states.

Intermill hopes the Legislature approves creating the commission. The version being considered in the DFL-led House has received hearings and is proceeding, but not the version in the GOP-led Senate.

Some senators appear to be concerned about adding what they see as too much regulation.

Republican state Sen. Scott Jensen, author of the Senate bill, is a doctor -- and says he's baffled as to why his GOP colleagues have yet to give the matter a serious look.

"This is not a free marketplace, and the people who pay the price are Minnesotans," he states. "So, to not give this bill a hearing, I think is really a wrongdoing to the conversation that Minnesotans want us to have."

According to a recent survey by the Blue Wall Voices Project, health care is among the top concerns raised by Minnesota voters going into the 2020 election.

Disclosure: AARP Minnesota contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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