California voters soundly rejected two ballot measures yesterday aimed at providing prescription drug discounts to low-income residents. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.
Prop 78 was backed by pharmaceutical companies. Under the measure, drug makers would have offered discounts of up to 40 percent off retail for low-income Californians. The initiative went down to defeat, even though the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $80 million to promote it.
Prop 79 was backed by consumer groups. The measure would have extended drug discounts to about twice as many low-income residents as Prop 78. Even so, voters turned it down, as well.
Supporters of the concept say they're not giving up. Supporters plan to pressure state lawmakers to consider a prescription drug discount bill next year.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
