Lamont, Baker tout similar plans to curb high drug costs

Governors Ned Lamont of Connecticut (left) and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts joined Gina Raimondo at RI College in this October, 2019 file photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

By The Associated Press

The Democratic governor of Connecticut and the Republican governor of Massachusetts are joining forces to pitch their similar ideas to curb increasing prescription drug prices in their respective states.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker appeared together on Tuesday on a Zoom news conference to tout their bills, which would financially penalize drug manufacturers for excessive price increases.

The pharmaceutical industry has pushed back against the bills arguing they will stymie research and innovation and ultimately make it harder for patients to get medications.

Both bills await legislative action.