SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced his appointment of 15 members to an Advisory Task Force on Lowering Pharmaceutical Drug Prices. They include medical practitioners, representatives of labor and industry, the executive director of the Board of Pharmacy, and four legislators, including Rep. John Lesch (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
Rep. Lesch issued the following statement:
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to tackle the problem of obscene prescription drug price gouging. All Minnesotans should be able to afford the medications they count on to live full, healthy lives, but skyrocketing prices have meant people cut pills in half, ration their insulin, or simply go without what’s been prescribed. This is unacceptable, and I look forward to working with the Task Force to address issues of price gouging, transparency, and interference from middlemen like Pharmacy Benefit Managers. I am committed to ensuring a great quality of life for every Minnesotan without fear of being unable to pay for medications.”