ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Democrat-controlled Minnesota Senate, on a nearly-party-line vote, approved a commerce budget bill for next two years, which includes a controversial Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
“For our seniors who are crying out about this, for people who have medical vulnerabilities, we are finally going to take a step forward and ensure that their drug prices are not exorbitantly increased,” Mendota Heights Democrat Matt Klein said.
Rochester Republican Carla Nelson warned that a special board won’t hold down the cost of prescription drugs.
“It will keep patients from the drugs that their doctors feel they need,” Nelson said.
Nelson also warned it will deter investments in new drugs.
The commerce budget bill also has measures that backers said will protect seniors, rural Minnesotans, and immigrants from predatory criminals and financial exploitation.