The New York State AFL-CIO Prescription Drug Task Force has been meeting monthly for a little more than a year to explore state political, legislative and regulatory strategies to contain drug costs for workers, retirees and union families.

The Task force, which is chaired by NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin, is comprised of union leaders, including Local 237 President Carl Haynes, local union legislative staff and union benefit fund administrators.

The group has met with several State Legislators, including Senator John Marchi, Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Carl Andrews, Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, Chairman of the Health Committee, all of whom shared their concerns about the issue and expressed support.

A key goal of the Task Force is to explore ways to expand New York's EPIC program to provide coverage to all state residents. Jeffrey Lewis, executive director of the Heinz Family Philanthropies, gave a presentation on the programs the Heinz Foundation has designed for Massachusetts and other states along the lines of the EPIC program, to provide low-cost prescription drug coverage to all seniors.

In recent years, prescription drugs have vastly benefited Americans and have improved their quality of life. Unfortunately, the continuing rise of prices for these drugs may damage the well-being of New York workers, retirees and thousands of other union members in the future.

It's no secret that while the United States produces the majority of prescription drugs worldwide, Americans pay the highest costs to receive these drugs. According to recent estimates, prescription drug prices will continue to increase between 10-15% annually. In New York State, consumer spending on prescription drugs is increasing at a more rapid rate compared to the nation as a whole. The average New Yorker spends $37181 on prescription drugs where as the average American spends $33536 per person.

The New York State AFL-CIO Task Force believes state government needs to maximize its financial resources in order to provide as much health coverage as possible to workers, retirees and families The State spends over $16 billion per year on drugs.

Because Medicare provides limited or no assistance for prescriptions, millions of working men and women and retirees often must make choices between medication and other essential needs.

Legislative solutions and other economic leverage possibilities are available to us and are being thoroughly investigated by the Task Force for presentation and approval by our Executive Board.

Rest assured, the labor movement of this state will do everything in its power to ensure that working men and women will be able to afford prescription drugs. And, more important, maintain a level of dignity in acquiring and providing health care to themselves and their families.