As a result of more expansive law enforcement efforts, stiffer drug sentencing laws, and post-conviction barriers to reentry, women have been uniquely affected by changes in the criminal justice system. WDC members and guests filled the room at the Silver Spring Civic Center on Wednesday evening, April 3, where a panel of Maryland State’s Attorneys analyzed the challenges facing women in the criminal justice system. The panelists, all women, were: Aisha Braveboy from Prince George’s County, Anne Colt Leitess from Anne Arundel County, and Marilyn Mosby from Baltimore City. John McCarthy, Montgomery County State’s Attorney, moderated.
Read moreDr. David Hornbeck of Strong Schools Maryland discussed the Kirwan Commission in a lively round table dialog with WDC members at WDC’s February 27 Annapolis Advocacy Day.
Read moreImagine suddenly being diagnosed with diabetes at age 24 and having to move back to your parents’ home to afford your insulin. Or facing brain tumor treatment at age 40 and spending all your savings to pay for the drugs to save your life. Horror stories like these—from two Maryland women—are increasingly common across the nation as skyrocketing drug prices drive patients into poverty—or death.
But Maryland has a chance to tackle this crisis through an innovative bill heard in both houses of the General Assembly on March 6. This legislation, HB768/SB759, would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to ensure that high-cost prescription drugs are available to Marylanders. The Board, an independent rate-setting agency, would review prescription drugs that create affordability challenges. For example, the price of Herceptin, a breast-cancer-treatment drug, has climbed by 78 percent since 2005, with an annual price tag of $60,000 (despite having been on the market for two decades).
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