AARP And Florida Governor DeSantis Fighting For Affordable Rx
BY JACK LEVINE
I’m pleased to report that AARP has been actively focused on lowering the high cost of prescription drugs this year (and for the 60 years prior), advocating for legislation at the federal and state level. The Stop Greed campaign is being rolled out nationally.
When family members sit at the kitchen table, their worries are real for the well-being of their elders, their children and all of us in between.
Florida has become the epicenter of this debate, as Governor Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Jose Oliva have pushed for the state to petition the US Food and Drug Administration to allow safe and legal importation of (non-opioid or benzoate) prescription drugs from Canada to local pharmacies at a much lower rate.
AARP is mobilizing its members in a variety of ways to contact their elected officials and express support for this plan. On Tuesday April 23rd, Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP National President, visited Tallahassee for a Public Forum. Governor DeSantis attended and in a stirring speech pledged his support for this cost-effective initiative.
I was honored to participate and was able to speak, focusing on the reality that access to affordable prescription drugs is not only a priority for one generation, but affects all generations. When family members sit at the kitchen table, their worries are real for the well-being of their elders, their children and all of us in between.
FEATURED IMAGE: JACK LEVINE AND AARP PRESIDENT, JO ANN JENKINS
For more information: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2019/prescription-drug-listening-tour-florida.html
Read GRAND cover story with Jo Ann Jenkins here
ABOUT THE AUTHOR – Jack Levine
After a 25-year tenure as president of Voices for Florida’s Children, a statewide advocacy network, Jack founded 4Generations Institute to promote intergenerational policies and programs that benefit the young, their parents, and more experienced family members…..also known as grandparents.
Jack’s expertise is in developing and delivering messages to the media, public officials, and a diverse network of health, education, human services and social justice advocates on the value of preventive investments in children, parent leadership, grandparent activism, and dignified services for elders.
Through public speaking, seminar and workshop leadership, community conversations and opinion columns, Jack shares information, provides inspiration, and leverages advocate enthusiasm in the direction of public policy action.
Jack holds a Master’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies from Purdue University and an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Hunter College.
He serves as Partnership Director for GRAND Media, is a member of Generations United and was a founding member of the Board of Voices for America’s Children.
Jack is the GRANDpartnership director for GRAND Magazine’s GRANDpartners for GRANDparents.
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Contact:
Jack Levine, Founder
4Generations Institute
850.567.5252
