A coalition says the legislature is delivering the “right medicine” for consumers. The Assembly passed, on a voice vote Thursday, legislation that would exempt prescription drugs from the state’s minimum mark up law. It means big box stores could offer more $4 generic pharmaceuticals.
John Reinemann, Legislative Director of the Wisconsin Counties Associations and spokesman for the People for Affordable Prescription Drugs, says it’s a positive thing for consumers especially those in the “tighter economic bracket.”
The Depression-era minimal markup law was designed to prevent monopolization of industries. Some believe the law is still needed today believing small businesses will suffer because they cannot compete with the prices of large retailers.
Reinemann, a former small business owner, empathizes with that belief. However he says mom and pops may have other things to offer such as location, better service and different products; “It’s not a complete clear cut advantage for everyone.”
The WCA has crunched numbers on what county employees will save with passage of the measure.
John Reinemann (:21)
Governor Jim Doyle says he’ll support the bill if it gets to his desk. It now goes to the Senate. Last year, a federal judge said Wisconsin’s minimum mark-up law for gasoline was unconstitutional. But it still applies to other products.
