White Plains, NY – On Monday night, the Westchester County Board of Legislators convened for its fourteenth meeting of the year, which included a public hearing on unauthorized dumping on County-owned property and a vote on several important legislative items.

Chair of the Board of Legislators Vedat Gashi (New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, "In our fourteenth meeting of the year, we prioritized the enhancement of safety infrastructure and support systems to ensure the well-being of our residents, successfully passing several vital pieces of legislation and setting five public hearings. Recognizing that our people are our most valuable asset, we secured a new contract for our corrections officers to ensure fair compensation for their work. We also approved a lease for a state-of-the-art radio tower and stormwater facility to enhance emergency communication and keep our residents safe. Additionally, we passed an act so that our County Attorney can take legal measures against drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers to address rising insulin prices, as well as to support our disabled community members, veterans, and the local police department. As we look towards the close of 2024, we remain tireless in our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Westchester residents.”

FEATURE: Legal Action to Combat Rising Insulin Prices
The Westchester County Board of Legislators has voted to authorize the County Attorney to take legal action against several drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for anticompetitive activities and deceptive practices related to insulin and diabetic medications. These companies have conspired to inflate insulin prices and provided undisclosed kickbacks to PBMs in exchange for favorable formulary placement.

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains) said, "The authorization for our County Attorney to initiate legal action against drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers is part of a very necessary broader effort to address the skyrocketing costs of insulin and diabetic medications, which have placed an enormous burden on our healthcare system, self-insured plans (including the County's), and importantly, our residents. Pursuing these legal proceedings aims to finally hold these entities accountable for pricing practices that truly harm patients and contribute largely to unsustainable healthcare costs in Westchester County."

Watch the Board Meeting Recap Video HERE