Springfield, IL — Illinois is on the path to becoming the first state in the nation that would prohibit price gouging when it comes to prescription drugs.

House Bill 3957 has been in the works for a couple of years now, and just recently passed both the House and Senate and is on the way to Governor Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law. The bill would protect Illinois consumers from skyrocketing prescription costs that happen overnight by big drug corporations.

“I am proud to have championed HB3957. This bill is an important step in taming skyrocketing healthcare costs that are forcing Illinoisans to choose between their prescriptions and their groceries, or their prescriptions and their rent, or their prescriptions and their childcare,” said Rep. Syed.

Representative Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine), one of the main sponsors of HB3957, shared that with the cost of living increase in the state, more support on both sides of the aisle has grown.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said Rep. Syed.

“It’s very tough on our seniors I have a lot of seniors in my community and a lot of folks that I spoke to at the doors that said that they couldn’t afford their next prescription or that they could not understand why when they go to the pharmacy their medication costs so much and I think people across the aisle recognize that this is a problem it’s not just facing one small community it’s not just facing one side of the aisle it’s facing every single person,” said Rep. Syed.

Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), the bill’s Chief Senate Sponsor, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from price gouging. “It’s time we hold these companies accountable for what should be considered robbery. We should not be allowing these companies to skyrocket their prices to the point people are unable to afford medication they desperately need.”

KHQA’s Mackenzie LaPorte, spoke to members of Citizen Action/Illinois, who say, that prescription drug affordability is a “winning issue” for the state.

Anusha Thotakura, the Program Director, of Citizen Action/Illinois stated, “Over 60% of Americans have a prescription that they take over 90% of seniors are on a prescription medication so this is something that affects people of all ages across all incomes across every demographic and it’s something that people can agree on that we need to take action for prescription drugs.”

Thotakura shared that, over the years, major Corporations have brought up prices on medications overnight, just to turn a profit. She adds, that this bill would help give Illinoisans piece of mind that their essential medications can not skyrocket without their being a penalty.

Starting next year, the Attorney General can take up complaints on prescription price gouging in the state, and take drug manufacturers to court who break the law.

Citizen Action/Illinois extends deep gratitude to the Chief Sponsors, Rep. Nabeela Syed (D-Palatine) and Sen. Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), along with invaluable partners who worked to advance this legislation, including the AARP, AFSCME Council 31, and AFSCME Retirees Chapter 31.