Jeffries Introduces Legislation To Lower Cost of Prescription Drugs
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, East New York, Canarsie, Mill Basin, Coney Island, parts of Queens) and Representative Doug Collins (GA-09) introduced the bipartisan “Terminating the Extension of Rights Misappropriated” (TERM) Act of 2019 on Tuesday.
The legislation would address the rising cost of prescription drugs by significantly limiting the process known as “evergreening”whereby pharmaceutical companies make minor changes to a drug and file for a new patent on those trivial changes in order to extend their exclusivity and maintain high prices. The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) and Representative Ben Cline (VA-06).
Under existing patent statute, generic drug manufacturers must prove why a new patent should not be granted on existing medication. This process adds significant costs to generic manufacturers and slows the ability of lower cost drugs to be released. The TERM Act shifts that burden of proof to pharmaceutical companies, who would have to reasonably demonstrate why changes to a drug qualify it for a new patent.
Today, prescription drug expenses constitute nearly 20 percent of health care costs and are growing faster than any other health care expenditures. As of 2017, Americans spend more on prescription drugs — average costs are about $1,200 per person per year — than anyone else in the world, according to Jeffries office.
“In the United States of America, access to high quality, affordable health care should be a right, not a privilege. The bipartisan TERM Act will curb patent abuses in order to expedite the entrance of lower cost generic drugs to market. It is time for us to put people over profits,” said Jeffries.
Brannan, Lawmakers To Request Property Tax Details
City Council member Justin Brannan (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach, Bensonhurst) alongside Staten Island Council members Steven Matteo (R) and Joe Borelli (R) will call on the Property Tax Reform Commission to release details about their progress so far, and to make their recommendations public so the state legislature can consider them.
The commission, first announced in early 2018 was created by Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Corey Johnson to come up with value-neutral tweaks the city’s property tax system and suggestions for the state legislature, which alone has the power to make any significant changes.
The commission was born out of the idea that single family homeowners feel the sting of property taxes more than other classes because they receive their tax bills in the mail every year, while also not being able to shift the burden onto tenants, and still having a mortgage to pay.
Since property taxes are handled at the state level, with only one week left in the state legislative session, the recommendations have to be released in the coming days so that state lawmakers can consider the changes.
The event is slated for 11 a.m., today, June 13, on the Steps of City Hall.
Frontus Applauds Assembly Passage of Driver’s Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants
Assembly member Mathylde Frontus (D-Coney Island, Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights) yesterday applauded the State Assembly’s approval of a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license in New York.
The Assembly voted Wednesday afternoon in favor of The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, known as the Green Light bill, which would allow driver’s license applicants to use valid foreign documents — including foreign-issued passports — to verify their identity with the Department of Motor Vehicles, according to initial reports.
But while the Assembly’s passage appeared certain in recent weeks and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vowed to sign the bill if it gets to his desk, the measure’s fate remains in the Senate. Democrats in marginal Senate districts have faced some pushback on the measure that has been shown to be unpopular with some upstate and New York City suburb residents. Assembly members are pressuring their Senate colleagues to pass the bill before the end of the state legislative session next week.
“Just like any other New Yorker, undocumented immigrants have to get to work and the doctor’s and pick up groceries. But because our state bars them from applying for driver’s licenses, they face a dilemma when it comes time to get around. Here in Brooklyn, we have the option of public transportation, but we still know that getting around in the outer boroughs can be a struggle. In other parts of the state, it’s nearly impossible without a car,” said Frontus.
“Undocumented drivers need a way to safely and legally go about their daily lives. The Green Light bill is a commonsense measure that will hold everyone accountable when they get behind the wheel. I’ll continue fighting to protect our immigrant neighbors as they make our communities home. They’re an integral part of this great city and state,” added Frontus.
Rose Hails Passage Of 9/11 Victim Compensation Bill Out of House Judiciary Committee
Congressman Max Rose (D-South Brooklyn, Staten Island) an army combat veteran who has been leading a bipartisan effort to build support for the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, commended the House Committee on the Judiciary for passing the bill out of committee on Wednesday, setting it up for a vote before the full House of Representatives.
Rose, an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act, attended Tuesday’s subcommittee hearing in which first responders and survivors affected by the toxins at Ground Zero testified about their health experiences since 9/11.
The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Special Master recently announced that due to the lack of funding, the Justice Department will have to cut awards of the cases that are pending by 50 percent and new claims that will be filed by 70 percent.
Rose is calling for urgent action in the U.S. Senate on the bill. Most recently, the freshman federal lawmaker helped secure $170,000 in VCF benefits for constituents who were experiencing trouble or delays in receiving the benefits they earned and deserved from their service on 9/11 and in the days following.
“Thanks to the broad, bipartisan support we’ve built in the House and today’s committee passage, we’re well on our way to getting this done in the House. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act with the same urgency. These heroes didn’t hesitate when they ran towards danger on 9/11 and the days that followed, so we sure as hell shouldn’t hesitate in supporting them,” said Rose.
Cumbo Announces Rain Barrel Giveaway
Majority Leader City Council member Laurie Cumbo (D-Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights) announced that she will host a rain barrel giveaway event next week.
A rain barrel is used to collect rainwater to be repurposed for activities including watering your garden, washing your car, or cleaning the exterior of your home. This is an easy way to save money on your water bill, and be environmentally conscious at the same time.
The event is slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at P.S. 9 The Sarah Smith Garnet School, 80 Underhill Avenue in Prospect Heights.
Deutsch To Hold Street Co-Naming In Honor of Fallen NYPD Officer
City Council member Chaim Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach, Homecrest, Midwood) will join with Police Commissioner James O’Neill next month to honor the memory of New York Police Department (NYPD) Police Officer Leon Fox, who was killed on the job in 1941.
As a young officer assigned to the 60th Precinct, Leon Fox was escorting a theater manager to the bank when three individuals robbed him. Officer Fox was shot and killed as he pursued the suspects.
Deutsch and the NYPD are honoring his memory by co-naming the street corner where Leon Fox was killed as “Police Officer Leon Fox Way”. Joining the ceremony will be Gerald Fox, the only son of Police Officer Fox, as well as other family members.
The event is slated for 5 p.m., Monday, July 15th, at the corner of Surf Avenue and West 12th Street in Coney Island.
