Dear Neighbors,
Happy Martin Luther King Day! Today, we passed a resolution to honor his legacy of fighting for racial equity and economic justice.
Over the first week of the legislative session, we have gotten a running start by hearing several bills that continue in the tradition that Dr. King exemplified.
Curbing prescription drug prices
On Friday, the Senate Health Care Committee heard five bills I’m sponsoring to curb skyrocketing prescription drug prices. More than 100 years ago, the inventor of insulin sold his patent for $1 because he wanted this lifesaving drug to be available to all. But in the last 15 years, the price has tripled. I have heard so many heartfelt stories from patients who are struggling. It’s time do something. You can watch the bill hearings here and read more in the Seattle Times here.
Fighting pregnancy discrimination
You may have thought that pregnancy discrimination was a thing of the past, but that’s not the case. I am grateful to Chelsey Glasson for sharing the story of the horrifying discrimination she faced at a major tech company in Seattle. I’m proud to sponsor SB 6034 to extend the time in which a complaint can be filed. New moms have more important things on their plates than arbitrarily early deadlines. You can watch Chelsey’s testimony here.
Welcoming our session intern
I always appreciate the opportunity to host a college intern during session. It is an opportunity for a young Washingtonian to learn about the legislative process, and for our office to benefit from their enthusiasm, intellect, and energy. For many, their experience leads to a career in public service. This year, we are fortunate to welcome Abby Nagaich.
Abby, a junior majoring in Law, Societies, and Justice at UW in Seattle, is especially passionate about elder care and already has significant experience working on and researching elder issues. She says, “My father came from India, where taking care of your elders is a strong cultural value.”
She is conducting a research project which gives an international perspective on the treatment of elders who are incarcerated.
In my office, she is involved with several bills to help improve the care of our elder population in Washington.
In Olympia
I am working on several prescription drug bills to contain costs that I hope will make some real progress. Two bills on insulin have been voted out of the Health Care committee and will be heard in the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday. The testimony from AARP and individuals with diabetes struggling to pay for expensive insulin has been very persuasive and powerful.
If you’d like to follow what I’m working on in Olympia, you can like my official legislative Facebook page here.
Please don’t hesitate to stay in touch.
Always,
Senator Karen Keiser
Chair, Senate Labor & Commerce Committee
Senate President Pro Tempore
