“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” --Thomas Jefferson February 5, 2019
Legislative Update
behind prescription price gouging legislation. This is an
This past week things kicked off in issue that Delegate Eric Bromwell has been fighting for
earnest in the General Assembly over the years in order to increase transparency and
with Governor Hogan delivering his lower costs. Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, the Vice
State of the State address. Overall, Chair of the HGO committee, said she plans to
as Governor Hogan said, the state introduce legislation that would set up a Prescription
of our state is strong – but that Drug Affordability Board that would be able to review
doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty the cost of prescription drugs and set a cap for what
to work on. For example, as quite a customers pay. While that legislation has not been
few constituents pointed out in emails, we still need submitted yet, it likely will, and I will provide updates
more funding for better school facilities. This is an issue as we move along.
that should have bipartisan support, and I hope we can
work across the aisle with Governor Hogan and Earlier this year the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
Republicans in the legislature to solve this and other sent out information on enrollment. In District 8,
problems._______ residents in our very own 21234 zip code have the
highest rate of being uninsured. Of those uninsured,
1,058 qualify for Medicaid and 2,379 are eligible for
subsidies. We need to do more to ensure that those
who qualify for help get the help they need. One of the
issues our health system faces is the spiraling cost of
treatment if something is not caught early. I promise to
help combat that by raising awareness in order to get
those who qualify for Medicaid or subsidies enrolled. I
am looking into hosting a town hall meeting after the
session, where we can continue this discussion.
Meeting With Senator Susan Lee- Chair, Maryland Legislative AAPI Caucus
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ~ Nelson Mandela
Those who would like to apply for the Maryland Legislative District 8 Scholarship should apply here. This year,
Delegates Bromwell, Joe Boteler and I will be awarding our scholarships as a team, which means you only need to
apply once. Applications must be submitted by Aril 8, 2019, and you must reside in Legislative District 8 to qualify.
“Maybe everyone can live beyond what they're capable of.” ― Markus Zusak
Best,
Harry Bhandari
6 Bladen Street, Room 303
Annapolis, MD 21401
E-mail: harry.bhandari@house.state.md.us
Phone at 410-841-3526 | 301-858-3526