Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has written a letter to Congress, urging the federal government to help Americans save money by lifting the ban on foreign drug imports. Some healthcare advocates say Schwarzenegger should make some moves of his own. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
In his letter the governor complains drug prices continue to rise, and that the federal government hasn't been able to affect the market. He says Congress should allow Americans to import drugs from abroad.
Anthony Wright directs the non-profit group Health Access. He says there's nothing new in the governor's appeal.
Wright: "The letter reiterates his previous position, which is that he doesn't want to take state action, he wants to just leave this to federal officials. The problem is that he has the power in his hands to lower prescription drug costs."
Wright says over the past two years, the governor has vetoed measures that would have enabled Californians to buy drugs from Canada and other countries. Seven other states have passed such laws. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
