Julian Cañete, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
In 1978, a group of Hispanic business leaders in California met to figure out the most effective way to bring the concerns of Hispanic business owners to the state government. California was becoming increasingly diverse, and the leaders felt there was a serious need for greater representation. Fast forward to 2024, and the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce now represents the interests of over 850,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in California. We are deeply proud of this legacy and how the organization has grown and evolved.
Over the years, an increasing number of business owners have expressed their concerns over the rising cost of health care and prescription drugs. And it’s not just business owners; in a new poll, 55 percent of California voters say that their personal health care and prescription drug coverage has gotten more expensive in the last year.
That’s why I was surprised and concerned to learn about SB 966, a new bill that would increase health care costs for businesses and hard-working families across our state while limiting access to critical medicines and lowering quality and safety standards. At a time when so many Californians are struggling with higher health care costs, we can’t afford any proposals that would raise costs. With our state facing its largest budget deficit in history and the prospect of slashing important safety net programs, the last thing we need is for the legislature to be increasing the state budget by creating new unnecessary, duplicative bureaucracies – another impact of SB 966.
Affordability is top of mind for Californians. The same poll found that almost 90 percent of voters would rather have lower premiums and copays, compared to just 9 percent who would rather have more options of where to pick up their prescriptions. This is exactly why pharmacy benefits are so critical – two-thirds (67%) of voters said they’re currently satisfied with the cost, quality, availability, and accessibility of prescription medication. Policymakers should keep this in mind when considering any legislation that would make pharmacy benefits more expensive for the many – while lining the pockets of the few.
They're nothing more than hyperbole from politicians who hope to take advantage of people’s fears for their own advancement
Voters have also made it clear they know exactly who is responsible for rising drug costs: big drug companies. In fact, 78 percent of California voters think more should be done to address drug companies’ role in the increasing cost of prescription drugs. Instead of focusing their attention on pharmacy benefits, the very tool that helps keep costs low, our lawmakers should turn their attention to holding drug companies accountable for the role they play.
In the November 2020 election, more than 17 million Californians voted, and this year’s historic election is predicted to have an even higher voter turnout. As health care and prescription drug costs continue to rise, more and more voters will be casting their vote based on the issue of affordability. The same poll found that 72 percent of voters say they would be less likely to support a candidate who would vote to outlaw certain lower-cost options, like discounts at certain pharmacies or prescription home delivery. This election season, as voters prepare to head to the polls, our lawmakers should know that many of us are voting for affordable health care.
I know I speak for millions of Hispanics and business owners across California when I implore our legislators: do everything you can to protect pharmacy benefits and lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs. We’re counting on you.
- Julian Cañete, California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
