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American Press
7 days ago
- Business
- American Press
Jim Beam column:State Senate has cooler heads
Members of the Louisiana Senate have cooler heads when it comes to deciding on the value of proposed legislaion.(Photo courtesy of The Louisiana Senate, as it has done for many years, helped make the recently concluded legislative fiscal session more productive by killing some bad bills and taking some positive steps. However, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana said the session saw an erosion of ethics and public records laws and diminished laws that promote accountability and transparency in government. The Senate, instead of eliminating the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and moving its $3.9 billion into the Budget Stabilization (Rainy Day) Fund for use with future budget needs, pulled $1.2 billion from the fund for valuable one-time projects. Senate amendments to the state budget that had been approved by the House set aside $709 million of that money for roads, bridges and similar work that has been delayed much too long, $273 million to boost economic development, $75 million for local water system improvements and $43 million for higher education delayed maintenance. The House passed sales and income tax changes that only went into effect Jan. 1. The Senate let the income tax cut die and used the sales tax bill to create the Local Revenue Fund to be used solely to offset local costs of eliminating the inventory tax. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry wanted $93.5 million for the LA GATOR school choice program that will give parents grants for private education., and the House approved that amount. However, Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, said last year only $43.5 million would be spent on what is a new state program. Henry said he made it clear on how much would be spent in order 'to make sure we don't grow government too fast.' The Advocate Friday reported that with just an hour left in the session, the Senate killed a controversial bill that would have barred companies from owning both pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) and pharmacies. Landry got so upset, he said he would call the Legislature back in for a special session to address the issue. Henry said senators had concerns about the rapid pace at which the bill was being considered. The newspaper said the bill only emerged from a conference committee with the language addressing PBMs. 'There's a legislative process for a reason,' Henry said. 'That amendment did not have one ounce of public testimony through the process.' The newspaper said CVS, which owns both a PBM and a nationwide chain of drug stores, said the bill would have forced it to close 119 stores in Louisiana. Henry said the bill wouldn't have taken effect until 2027 anyway, which meant the Legislature could simply vote on the bill next year. Louisiana voters on March 29 rejected a complex constitutional amendment that would have provided permanent pay increases for teachers and school support workers. The funds would come from eliminating three education trust funds. Objections were raised about eliminating those funds and voters didn't like the complexity of that amendment. So they will see a simpler amendment on the April 18, 2026, ballot. The House and Senate worked together to come up with that amendment. It took three bills. One eliminated the trust funds, a second used those funds to lower teacher retirement debt and the third levied the raises — $2,250 for teachers and $1,125 for support workers. Here is some other action from the session. The Legislature approved a bill that aims to stop out-of-state doctors from prescribing abortion drugs. Both houses passed a bill that would require app stores to verify the age of users. A bill that would ban Louisiana's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs had Black legislators calling it racism. The bill passed the House but died on the Senate calendar. Passed a bill that aims to provide public access to certain juvenile criminal records, which drew considerable opposition from advocates for juveniles. Louisiana may be able to speed up executions after passage of an overhaul of post-conviction relief. It is expected to affect more than the state's 55 death row inmates. Approved an amendment, if approved by voters, that could make it easier to fire state workers who are protected by civil service. A special thanks to the state Senate and its President Henry for using so much common sense to bring some sanity to the legislative process. We needed the comfort they gave us in these trying times. Jim Beam, the retired editor of the American Press, has covered people and politics for more than six decades. Contact him at 337-515-8871 or Reply Forward Add reaction
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana attorney general investigates CVS over mass texts about pharmacy bill
LOUISIANA () — This week, CVS customers across Louisiana were met with an alarming text message: 'Last-minute legislation in Louisiana threatens to close your CVS Pharmacy—your medication cost may go up and your pharmacist may lose their job. Contact your elected officials to protect your access.' The text, which quickly triggered confusion and concern, refers to House Bill 358—a late-session proposal that would ban pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) like CVS Caremark from owning or controlling pharmacies in the state. Critics of the message say it's more than a warning; it's a political campaign that may have crossed a legal line. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'People give their information to health care providers to provide patient information for the betterment of their health,' said former state senator and pharmacist Fred Mills. 'I don't know if they give this information for political purposes.' PBMs act as a middleman between insurance companies, drug manufacturers and pharmacies. Supporters of the bill argue that this dual role (particularly when companies like CVS own both the PBM and the pharmacy) creates a conflict of interest and limits consumer choice. 'If you work for a company that decides you'll pay $5 or $10 for your prescriptions, the PBM implements that plan,' Mills said. 'So, they're kind of like a Visa Card for prescriptions.' But Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says CVS went too far by using private customer data for lobbying. Federal investigation underway into allegedly undocumented LCG workers 'They were sending out information using people's personal cell phone numbers to lobby against legislation that they didn't like,' Murrill said. 'That is not the purpose for which they obtained our personal information.' In response, Murrill says her office has issued a cease-and-desist letter and opened an investigation into whether CVS violated the state's Unfair Trade Practices Act. 'CVS has cornered the market and used that market to run a lot of independent pharmacists out of business,' she said. 'It's also running up our costs of medication.' In a public statement, CVS claimed the legislation would force the company to close 119 pharmacies in Louisiana, impacting one million patients and nearly 2,700 employees. But Murrill and other state officials argue the company's messaging is misleading. 'The loss of independent pharmacies has been much more damaging to us than losing a large chain pharmacy like CVS,' Murrill said. 'It is so damaging to our rural communities. And they have been decidedly persistent in putting them out of business.' The bill did not pass despite pressure from Governor Landry. If Governor Landry does call a special session, it would most likely happen in August. Louisiana attorney general investigates CVS over mass texts about pharmacy bill Rubio: US 'not involved' in Israel's strike inside Iran Teacher accused of giving Denver middle school students cannabis brownies Israel attacks Iran's capital with explosions booming across Tehran 'It was still chasing her': 9-year-old girl attacked by shark while swimming at Florida beach Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana lawmakers push for transparency in drug pricing, bill advances
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A bill aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) has passed and is awaiting the governor's signature. HB 264, authored by Michael Echols (R-La.), is geared towards ensuring fair reimbursement and transparency in drug pricing. The bill redefines the term rebate, which would include a wide range of discounts received by PBMs. These changes are meant to highlight how PBMs negotiate and profit from deals with drug manufacturers. It would also allow PBMs to label certain submitted information as confidential. The Commissioner of Insurance would have the authority to review PBM records and compensation structures and ensure reasonable reimbursements. Donald Trump Jr. took to social media, asking Louisiana to pass HB 358, which would allow a pharmacy technician to work remotely in certain circumstances. 'It's time to pass HB358 and end the charade that costs hard-working Americans so much money when buying prescription drugs. Enough is Enough!' Trump wrote. EBR Metro Council picks new advisor for Raising Canes River Center redevelopment project 'It's a big problem in Baton Rouge': Authorities suspect human trafficking in massage parlors College Drive flyover project complete, brings relief to Baton Rouge drivers Louisiana lawmakers push for transparency in drug pricing, bill advances Judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Landry threatens special session over failed prescription drug prices bill
A pharmacy technician fills a container with pills to put into a drug dispensing machine for an automated line at a pharmacy in Midvale, Utah. () A low heat that's simmered for weeks over an attempt to lower prescription drug prices in Louisiana increased to a boil Thursday in the waning hours of the state legislative session, with Gov. Jeff Landry saying he will bring lawmakers back to Baton Rouge to address prescription drug policy. The eight-week regular session ended with lawmakers backing the less stringent of two measures aimed at regulating pharmacy benefit managers, often referred to as PBMs or 'middlemen' that oversee prescription drug programs for insurance companies and large employers. PBMs have faced increasing criticism from patient advocate groups who blame them for high medication prices, while independent drugstore owners say they unfairly favor large corporate pharmacies. Some of the country's largest pharmacy chains, including CVS, also operate a PBM, which critics have said leads fewer pharmacy and medication options for consumers. Landry wanted lawmakers to pass a more aggressive bill that would have prohibited companies from owning drug stores and pharmacy benefit managers, which would have threatened companies such as CVS who own both. The Senate declined to bring House Bill 358, by Rep. Dustin Miller, D-Opelousas, up for a final vote, however, allowing it to die before the legislative session ended. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Instead, the legislature passed what had been seen as a compromise between the corporate chains and independent pharmacists in House Bill 264, by Rep. Mike Echols, R-Monroe. The bill requires PBMs to be more transparent about their practices with state regulators and to pass more prescription savings on to consumers. The Senate also hastily drafted and approved a resolution instructing the Louisiana Department of Health to study the impact of banning PBMs from also owning pharmacies and to produce a report on the subject ahead of the legislature's 2026 regulation session next March. ,Landry was upset the lawmakers didn't go farther, however, and threatened to haul the lawmakers back into session later this summer to pass the same proposal. 'Yes we will have a special session to lower prescription drugs for our citizens. It's that important!' Landry said in an email from his spokeswoman Kate Kelly shortly before the bill failed. It's not clear when the governor would call a special session focused on PBMs. Several lawmakers said he was already on his way to France for the International Paris Air Show which starts Monday. He cannot sign off on the paperwork needed for a special session while outside of the state of Louisiana. Senate President Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, told reporters after adjournment the complexity of Miller's bill, along with feedback from stakeholders, led to the decision to back alternative measures. . 'The more that members had the opportunity to really digest what that bill would do – and the conversations they were having back home with both their local pharmacy, the chain pharmacist, who it was going to affect – we really had a difficult time getting a true grasp of what the bill was going to do,' Henry said. The Senate president said opposition from senators to the Miller bill grew over the day Thursday as more constituents and lobbyists reached out to members. He also said a special session on PBM legislation seems unnecessary because the Landry-backed bill wasn't even supposed to get implemented for another two years. 'I don't know why you would call a special session for a bill that doesn't take effect until 2027,' Henry said. Arkansas approved a law similar to the Miller bill earlier this year and currently faces federal lawsuits from two of the country's largest pharmacy benefit managers. Henry expressed reluctance to follow their lead. The Miller proposal drew strong opposition from a plaintiff in one of the Arkansas cases – CVS, which owns the pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark. Its campaign to defeat the bill included sending text messages to thousands of members of the public, including state employees and their families Thursday, which led the governor to direct Attorney General Liz Murrill to investigate the company's actions. CVS Caremark contracts with the state Office of Group Benefits for billions of dollars to manage insurance coverage for state employees and retirees. 'This is not an appropriate use of personal information obtained through a state contract.' Murrill said Thursday morning in a news release. CVS had said the Miller bill would force it to close more than 125 stores in Louisiana, leading 2,700 employees to lose their jobs. 'Closing drug stores doesn't lower drug prices. Forcing out 20% of the state's pharmacies only makes pharmacy deserts worse,' Amy Thibault, CVS executive director of corporate communications, said in an email. When Echols made the final pitch for his compromise legislation Thursday in the House, he singled out CVS for criticism, noting he had talked with Murrill about her pursuing charges against the company for violating terms of its state contract when it sent its mass text message to state workers. 'This House is not for sale. This legislature cannot be bullied,' Echols said. Randal Johnson, with the Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association, said the Echols bill will be a vast improvement over the current PBM regulations in Louisiana. 'We believe the consumer will have an opportunity to find out what their drugs costs, and the consumer will have the opportunity to have a less expensive cost of medication' under the Echols legislation, Johnson said. A special session can last no longer than 30 days, and its subject matter will be limited to what Landry wants to discuss if he decides to call it. Piper Hutchinson contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Iowa Gov. Reynolds signs bill to reform pharmacy benefit managers
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Wednesday aimed at bringing changes to pharmacy benefit managers, also known as PBMs. The legislation, Senate File 383, aims to help prevent more independent and rural pharmacies from closing their doors in the Hawkeye State. PBMs are the middlemen between health insurance companies and pharmacies. Whenever you fill a prescription, the PBM determines how much the pharmacy actually gets paid for dispensing your medication. Iowa governor rejects GOP bill to increase regulations of Summit's carbon dioxide pipeline In recent years, that amount has sometimes been less than what it costs the pharmacy to fill a prescription, forcing them to either refuse the fill, or take a financial loss. Senate File 383 would attempt to prevent that by adding requirements for how much pharmacies must be reimbursed for filling medications, to ensure they get paid a fair price. It also adds other patient protections, like preventing PBMs from hitting you with a monetary penalty if you choose a non-preferred pharmacy, or requiring you to use a mail-order pharmacy service to use your insurance coverage. As of Wednesday, a total of 32 states have passed similar legislation, according to the Iowa Governor's Office. Opponents of the measure have argued the bill would increase health insurance premiums, but supporters maintain that in states that have previously passed similar legislation, that has not come to pass. Governor Reynolds released a statement Wednesday explaining her reasoning for signing the bill. In part, it says, 'The new bill takes steps toward addressing these challenges by targeting PBM practices that harm both patients and independent pharmacies. Local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, are vital to community health and local hospitals but are being driven out by opaque, one-sided contracts.' You can read the governor's full statement here. The Iowa Pharmacy Association applauded the bill's passage Wednesday. CEO Kate Gainer said, 'Governor Reynolds' leadership and the Iowa Legislature's bipartisan support of SF 383 sends a powerful message that the health of Iowa communities comes first. For too long, PBMs have put profits over patients, contributing to the closure of more than 200 pharmacies in Iowa since 2014. This law gives us the tools to level the playing field and protect access to care, especially in rural areas.' Story continues below Top Story: Recent incident at Sac County Jail highlights need for new facility Lights & Sirens: Suspect shot at during pursuit in stolen vehicle, Dakota Co Sheriff says Sports: West Sioux boys soccer wins first-ever IHSAA State title with 2-1 OT win Weather: Get the latest weather forecast here The Iowa Association of Business and Industry, however, opposed the bill's signing, releasing a statement saying, 'ABI is disappointed in today's action. ABI testified at every turn in favor of legislation that would support small independent pharmacies in Iowa. The bill that the Governor signed today is not that. Senate File 383 includes expensive, unneeded provisions that are going to drive up the costs of pharmacy services in Iowa without any discernable improvement in patient care. Iowans – including businesses and employees – will bear these costs at the pharmacy counter and in the structure of their health care plans. This is an additional headwind in an already challenging business environment. Now law, ABI will take every opportunity to mitigate the increased costs on our members and their team members throughout Iowa.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
