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Approved Language For Drug Price Ballot Issue Spurs Debate Over Legal Fees

(left) Dale Butland (Right) Curt Steiner with "Ohioans Against the Deceptive Rx Ballot Issue," opponents of Issue 2
Andy Chow
(left) Dale Butland (Right) Curt Steiner with "Ohioans Against the Deceptive Rx Ballot Issue," opponents of Issue 2

The ballot language for issues voters will see during this November’s election has been finalized. One side is making sure to highlight a certain section of the language.

Opponents of the so-called Drug Price Relief Act, which forces the state to pay for drugs at a discount, argue that taxpayers would be on the hook for large legal bills.

That includes paying the court fees for the California-based sponsors of the initiative.

But Dennis Willard, spokesperson in support of the issue, says that scenario is bogus.

“Let me say this clearly, that is a lie. An L-I-E, lie. Remember it’s the drug companies that will be suing and they’re the ones who will be bringing the Ohio attorney general and our side into court.”

Opponents, who’re funded by big drug companies, say the proposal won’t work and it artificially raises drug prices for Ohioans not on public assistance.

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Andy Chow is a general assignment state government reporter who focuses on environmental, energy, agriculture, and education-related issues. He started his journalism career as an associate producer with ABC 6/FOX 28 in Columbus before becoming a producer with WBNS 10TV.