September 8, 2004
The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814
Re: Request for Signature on SB 1144 (Burton)
Dear Governor Schwarzenegger:
Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, respectfully requests your signature on SB 1144 (Burton). The bill would allow the Department of General Services (DGS) to include Canadian sources when it purchases prescription drugs.
Drug prices in the United States are the highest in the world. From 1997-2002, prescription prices in the U.S. have increased an average of 17% per year, far greater than the rise in inflation. Canadian sources are usually a cheaper source of drugs than U.S. sources. Drugs from Canada are just as safe as those from the U.S. We know of no examples of Americans being harmed by drugs reimported from Canada. Therefore, we support giving DGS the discretion to purchase from Canada when appropriate. For these reasons, Consumers Union supports SB 1144.
Sincerely,
Earl Lui
Senior Attorney
cc: Senator John Burton