Manar unveils measures to rein in drug monopolies and lower consumer costs

SPRINGFIELD – Following the launch of a statewide drug affordability campaign, State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker) today unveiled a sweeping package of legislation aimed at putting checks on the pricing power of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Illinoisans.

According to an analysis by CBS News, in the first half of 2019 alone, prices increased for over 3,400 prescription drugs. The average price hike is 10.5%, or 5 times the rate of inflation.

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Champaign lawmakers and CUPHD leaders to hold virtual coronavirus town hall

CHAMPAIGN – Area lawmakers and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will co-host a virtual town hall to share information about coronavirus Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m. 

State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana) will join CUPHD experts on Rep. Ammons’ Facebook page to hear questions and concerns related to coronavirus. 

Bennett, Ammons and CUPHD will discuss how Illinois is preparing to handle an outbreak, and various panels will provide educational information as well as answer constituent questions.

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Hunter measure adds protections against discrimination based on hair style and texture in schools, workplace

SPRINGFIELD – School administrators and employers would no longer be able to enact policies banning dreadlocks, braids and other hairstyles, or punish those who wear them, under legislation introduced by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

“Hair styles are a core part of African-American history and culture,” Hunter said. “Far too often, black women, men, and children are forced to suppress their cultural identity in order to more closely align with someone else’s culture. This legislation would end that.”

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Bennett, Manar introduce package of Rx legislation at Champaign town hall

CHAMPAIGN - High prescription drug prices and accountability of the pharmaceutical industry topped concerns of Champaign residents during a town hall meeting Monday. 

The meeting was hosted by State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), and was cohosted by Protect Our Care Illinois, Champaign County Health Care Consumers, NAACP Champaign County, AARP Illinois and AFSCME. 

Following an informational presentation from Protect Our Care representative Dan Rabbitt, Bennett and Manar opened the floor to Champaign County residents to raise their concerns, share their stories and ask questions about pending legislation in Springfield.

Read more: Bennett, Manar introduce package of Rx legislation at Champaign town hall