Hosting Effingham Day and Leadership Bulloch
Friends,
We started an exciting week off with Effingham Day at the Capitol, and finished Thursday with a visit from the Leadership Bulloch Class of 2022. We worked through Legislative Day 11 this week, passing a number of local bills and House Bill 867, the Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act.
Effingham Day at the Capitol and Leadership Bulloch
After a two-year pandemic pause of Effingham Day at the Capitol, we were finally able to bring folks back to visit the State Capitol. The Effingham Chamber of Commerce planned a fast-paced, yet informative day, including state official visits and talks. This year, we were fortunate to have:
Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey who provided current projections of the pandemic and pointed guests to the department’s website for daily status reports.
Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black who gave insight on the annual $74 billion economic impact of Georgia’s number one industry—agribusiness, and information on how Georgia Grown continues to support agricultural producers.
Attorney General Chris Carr who highlighted the human trafficking and anti-gang divisions of his office and the efforts to keep Georgians safer.
Department of Public Safety and Effingham native Lieutenant Colonel Billy Hitchens who provided information on the department’s many divisions, detailing the responsibilities of each.
As always, Senator Billy Hickman, Representative Bill Hitchens, and I enjoy hosting this great group and appreciate the effort it takes to not only organize this event, but also to make the long trip up to Atlanta.
On Thursday, we welcomed another group from back home to the Capitol—Leadership Bulloch. Senator Billy Hickman, Representatives Butch Parrish and Jan Tankersley, and I had the pleasure of speaking and hearing from this year’s class of community leaders. There is no doubt their motivation to serve and lead in Statesboro and Bulloch County will pave a bright future for generations to come. And that is something I’m truly proud of!
Truth in Prescription Pricing for Patients Act
House Bill 867 sponsored by chair of the Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care, Representative Mark Newton, requires drug sales middlemen, or “pharmacy benefit managers” (PBMs) to calculate an insured’s cost-sharing requirement for a name brand prescription drug based on the true net cost of the drug. The true net cost is a newly defined measurement that takes into account rebates received or estimated to be received by the PBM or the health plan client from the drug manufacturer. I proudly voted for HB 867, as this legislation creates much-needed transparency and protects patients from overpaying for their prescriptions. It’s measures like these that will not only enhance healthcare throughout our state but provide patients with fair, affordable ways to manage their health.
This upcoming week, the Appropriations Committee will work to finalize the FY2022 Amended Budget and the legislature will continue our work. You can find session proceedings here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/. I am always pleased to assist you in any way I can. Please do not hesitate to call (404.656.5052), email (Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov), or engage on Facebook (www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA). I sincerely value your insight and look forward to hearing from you.