George,

I want to ask Delegate Toscano to explain his vote to trump the federal regulation that permits pharmacists to substitute non-brand drugs for much more expensive brand-name drugs. The Daily Progress reported that two Republican delegates voted for it, and maintained that they didn't know of the lobbying or profits it would produce for brand-name drug companies, or on the costs it would impose on patients and the public. Accordiong to the DP report they thought it was a non-controversial "technical" bill. This seems implausible to me. Toscano did not respond to inquiries from the Progress on why he voted for the bill.

Apparently the two Republicans received $1,000 each and Toscano $1,500 after their votes approving the negation of the federal rule from the drug company's lobby-organization.

I think a public response from Toscano on this matter is needed. The Daily Progress should be encouraged to investigate and publish stories like this and it deserves a response from legislators when it does.

Rich Collins (Electronic mail, February 18, 2014)