Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 26, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Signs Landmark Prescription Drug Legislation

Gov. Gary Locke today signed into law landmark legislation that will help reduce the high cost of prescription drugs for thousands of people in Washington.

Joining the governor at the Tukwila Community Center were the bill’s prime sponsors, Sen. Alex Deccio, R-Yakima, and Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle, and Lauren Moughon, advocacy director of AARP Washington.

“It is not fair that each month vulnerable citizens must sometimes choose between paying rent, buying food or filling their medical prescriptions,” Locke said. “This bill will lower the escalating costs of prescription drugs and help people find and afford critical medication. It will also help offset the detrimental impact that medical and hospitalization costs have on our state’s health care system.”

Senate Bill 6088 calls for the creation of a “preferred” drug list for state agencies, an information hotline to assist consumers with prescription drug-related issues and directs the state’s Department of Social and Health Services to seek a federal waiver to design a Medicaid drug assistance program.

In negotiating prescription drug price discounts for state agencies, the state’s Health Care Authority will also be required to negotiate discounts for any Washington resident who is at least 50 years old, whose family income does not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty level and whose existing prescription drug need is not covered by insurance.

The governor praised Deccio and Cody for their diligence in reaching final agreement on this important legislation. Locke had worked with both parties since the beginning of session on prescription drug relief and encouraged both sides to reach common ground.

“This legislation will enable the state to save money and share its purchasing power with the public. It is a win-win for the people and the state,” Cody said.

Deccio echoed Cody sentiment.

“A legislative solution to the prescription drug problem was long overdue. This bill will put drug prices more in line with what people can afford,” Deccio said. “And, most importantly, it’s the right thing to do.”

Moughon lauded the bipartisan effort and cited the importance of this legislation to seniors.

“We are proud of the state’s leadership on this issue and the work done by the governor and Legislature. This is a big victory for all of us, especially for people on fixed incomes who need their prescriptions to stay alive.”

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