I hope this message finds you well!

I’ve been busy since coming up to Hartford to work as your new State Representative, and I would like to update you on some of the issues.

I was pleased to receive the committee assignments I requested: Appropriations, Public Health, and Energy and Technology. This means I will be involved in the budget-making committee from the time the Governor presents her request to the Legislature on February 9th until it is approved by the full state House of Representatives. Energy, as I do not have to tell you, remains a critical part of our community because of the presence of the power plant. Public Health is most important to all of us because of the many healthcare issues we face every day.

Last Fall we talked extensively about prescription drug costs and possible help from the Legislature. As medications for sale in Canada are considerably less expensive than here, lawmakers recently introduced legislation aimed at allowing seniors with fixed or low incomes the opportunity to send away to Canada for the prescriptions that have been prescribed for them. This would allow you to benefit from competitive prices.

Proposed legislation consists of many parts: a state contract to provide access to a network of safe and responsible Canadian physicians and pharmacies; a toll-free hotline and website; CT Department of Health participation to ensure safety; and access to the 50 most common brand name drugs. Currently, predictions are that Connecticut residents could save as much as a 25%-50% savings on their prescriptions with a plan of this type.

This is one of many initiatives aimed at the problem of costly prescription drugs. While I do not think this is a permanent solution, it is my hope that relief is accomplished through greater access to the competitive marketplace. At the same time, we have to be very careful never to jeopardize the critical and irreplaceable roles played by our drug companies in building the best system of healthcare and research in the world. We must proceed carefully.

Please contact me at any time with your questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached in Hartford, toll-free at (800) 842-8267, or at home at 444-1700. You will help me to make my voice stronger for you. Thank you, and please stay well.