Senator Flanagan Calls For Movement On Legislation Supported By Aarp

John J. Flanagan

September 13, 2006

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently called for action on some outstanding pieces of legislation that are supported by the American Association of Retired Persons. The legislation has already passed in the Assembly and Senator Flanagan joins with the AARP in calling for its immediate adoption.

"The Senate has been a leader in the fight to protect the rights of the seniors of our state and we should be working to provide as much protection to the elderly residents of our state as possible. These measures, which are important to the seniors who have contacted me, will empower all the residents of our community," stated Senator Flanagan. "I am going to Albany to work on getting these important measures passed as soon as possible."

The legislation deals with providing senior citizens access to prescription drugs.

One of the bills (S. 5029), which Senator Flanagan sponsors in the Senate, would create the Prescription Drug Assistance Program. The program would be a bulk purchasing program for pharmaceuticals to lower the costs of these vital purchases.

This program would enable participants who sign up to buy drugs at a reduced rates at participating retailers.

The second piece of legislation (S. 696)that Senator Flanagan requested a vote on would require pharmaceutical drug companies to disclose gifts to health care providers. This would deliver transparency to the prescription drug market and provide some accountability from the drug companies.

"The need to pool New York State's valuable resources to ensure that our seniors can get the prescription drugs they need and to ensure that there is transparency in this vital industry are so very important. Seniors should not have to choose between the prescription drugs they need and other essentials in life," stated Senator Flanagan.

SENATOR FLANAGAN'S LETTER TO MAJORITY LEADER JOSEPH BRUNO

September 8, 2006

The Hon. Joseph L. Bruno
Majority Leader & President Pro Tem
New York State Senate
Room 909, The L.O.B.
Albany, New York 12247

Dear Senator Bruno:

I am writing to respectfully express my strong support for adding S.696-E, legislation that would require disclosure of any gift between drug wholesalers, manufacturers and doctors, and S.5029-A, a bill to create the Prescription Drug Assistance Program, to an active calendar for the upcoming session on Friday, September 15th.

As you know, both bills are significant priorities for the American Association of Retired Persons and both bills have passed the Assembly.

As always, thank you for your consideration of my concerns.

Sincerely yours,

John J. Flanagan
Senator, 2nd District