There are a number of issues that our representatives in Augusta must tackle over the next few months, not the least of which is the opioid epidemic that continues to take lives across our state. However, they must be wary of legislation, such as taxes on opioid medication, that could put patients at risk of losing access to important medications and care.
As a former member of the Maine House of Representatives, where I spent my entire eight-year tenure on the Health and Human Services Committee, I know just how important it is to work with all members of the health care industry to solve health care-related problems in an equitable manner, including public health crises. I hope that our lawmakers will consider this essential aspect of lawmaking before moving forward with punitive, tax-based policies aimed at the health care industry, particularly wholesale pharmaceutical distributors.
Gov. Janet Mills and the Legislature have identified the opioid epidemic as a top priority. I hope that elected officials can work with community leaders, industry representatives, and health care professionals to develop a solution that effectively combats the opioid epidemic without harming care for legitimate patients.
Deb Sanderson
Chelsea
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
OpinionToday’s editorial cartoon
-
Letters to the Editor
Hickman right person to guide District 14
-
Letters to the Editor
Like Brady, America has to keep striving
-
Editorials
Our View: Maine inmates should not have to wait for vaccine
-
Things to Do
Exhibit features work from resident artists from 2020
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.