State Representative and Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor Aaron Regunberg joined GoLocal News Editor Kate Nagle in studio to talk about his reintroduction of legislation for a single-payer healthcare system in Rhode Island -- and the introduction of legislation to address prescription drug costs.
“Everywhere I go across our state, I hear a similar concern — the monstrous cost of prescription drugs,” said Regunberg (District 4, Providence).
“From my next-door neighbors in Providence, to families in South County, to elders in the East Bay, Rhode Islanders are forced to make upsetting and unacceptable choices between their prescriptions on the one hand and their groceries, housing and basic needs on the other — all while pharmaceutical corporations and their CEOs see profits soar. That’s why the first new piece of legislation I introduced this year is a bill requiring cost transparency and limiting the maximum allowable prices that manufacturers may charge for certain high-cost drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has incredible influence and power. We need policies designed for all of us who can’t afford corporate lobbyists.”
When it comes to voting, do you consider yourself to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, Moderate, or Unaffiliated with a major party?
Next year, in November of 2018, there will be a statewide general election for Governor and many other state offices. How likely is it that you will vote in this election?
Will you definitely be voting, will you probably be voting, are you 50-50...
Recently, a proposal has been made to permit the issuance of $81 million in bonds by the State to build a new stadium for the Pawtucket Red Sox. If there was an election today on this issue, would you vote to approve or reject issuing $81 million in financing supported moral obligation bonds to build the stadium?
The next question is about the total income of YOUR HOUSEHOLD for the PAST 12 MONTHS. Please include your income PLUS the income of all members living in your household (including cohabiting partners and armed forces members living at home).
What particular ethnic group or nationality - such as English, French, Italian, Irish, Latino, Jewish, African American, and so forth - do you consider yourself a part of or feel closest to?