Oregon Senator Deb Patterson worked on her computer Jan. 22 following a brief session of the Oregon Senate (Ron Cooper/Salem Reporter)
On Wednesday, the Oregon Senate passed a bill intended to address a gender-based inequity in drug pricing.
THE ISSUE: Some consumers have complained of a “pink tax” on medical products marketed towards women.
THE BILL: Senate Bill 711
WHAT IT DOES: Sponsored by Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem, the bill directs the Department of Consumer and Business Services to study disparities in the cost of hormone replacement drugs that are frequently used by women compared to those used by men.
WHY IT WAS PROPOSED: The department would conduct the study as part of their Prescription Drug Price Transparency program.
HOW THE MARION/POLK DELEGATION VOTED:
Sen. Brian Boquist, I-Dallas: No
Sen. Peter Courtney, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons: No
Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem: Yes
Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer: No
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: It heads to the House for consideration.
-Jake Thomas
