Kohl-Grassley Generic Drug Bill Would Save Taxpayers Nearly $4.8 Billion, Congressional Budget Office Says

 

WASHINGTON - A new Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimate finds that a bipartisan bill aimed at cutting costs by encouraging competition from generic drugs would save taxpayers nearly $4.8 billion over the next decade.

CBO anticipates that enacting the Preserve Access to Affordable Generic Drugs Act (S. 27) would accelerate the availability of lower-priced generic drugs and generate $4.785 billion in budget savings between fiscal years 2012 and 2021. CBO also estimates that earlier entry of generic drugs affected by the bill would reduce total drug expenditures in the U.S. by roughly $11 billion over the decade.

The CBO estimate can be found here.

The bill would deter "pay-for-delay" settlements in which brand name drug companies settle patent disputes by paying generic drug manufacturers in exchange for the promise of delaying the release of the generic version into the market. Under the legislation, these anti-consumer pay-off agreements would be presumed illegal and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be provided the authority to stop the agreements.

"Generic drugs are essential to making medicine affordable and holding down costs for taxpayers," Kohl said. "As CBO's new cost estimate shows, backroom pay-for-delay deals are keeping generic drugs off the shelves at a great cost to consumers and taxpayers. Congress and the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction should take this opportunity to fix this problem."

"CBO estimates that there would be significant savings to both the federal government and consumers if our legislation were to be enacted. When people across the country are having a hard time making ends meet, this could be a real boost to their bottom line," Grassley said.  "I urge the deficit reduction committee to include this legislation in their efforts to make the necessary reductions in the federal budget."

Last month, Kohl and Grassley urged the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to include the bill as part of its budget-cutting effort. The letter can be found here.

The Federal Trade Commission also released a report last month that found that drug companies entered into 28 potential pay-for-delay deals in FY 2011, nearly matching the previous fiscal year's record of 31 deals. Overall, the agreements reached in the latest fiscal year involved 25 different brand-name pharmaceutical products with combined annual U.S. sales of more than $9 billion.

In July, the Senate Judiciary Committee favorably reported the Preserve Access to Affordable Generic Drugs Act.

Previously, CBO estimated that the bill would save the federal government - which pays approximately one-third of all prescription costs - $2.68 billion over ten years. The president included a provision to end pay-for-delay settlements in his FY 2012 budget and estimated it would save the federal government $8 billion over ten years.

-30-

Davenport, Iowa - November 2011 - College students looking to be immersed in French culture will find just that at the Figge Art Museum's annual College Night.  As an extension of the current exhibition, Turn of the Century Posters from the Krannert Art Museum Collection, which features works from French artists, "Paris When it Sizzles" will be a night full of engaging French-themed activities and ambiance. The event is co-sponsored with the University of Iowa Museum of Art and hosted by Western Illinois University Museum Studies students.

On Thursday, November 17 from 7-10 p.m. students, faculty and staff from any college or university will be welcome to the museum for free. Guests will be greeted by student volunteers from Western Illinois University dressed in period costumes. Guests can participate in "Cabaret Karaoke" presented by ABC Karaoke, printmaking demonstrations in the studios and various creativity challenges.

"The Naughty Tour" of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's posters featured in the Turn of the Century Posters exhibition will show guests the wild history surrounding the artist and his subjects.  Visitors can also check out "Paris, Je T'Aime," numerous film shorts about life in the City of Love. Truffles, crêpes and other French treats will be served throughout the night to guests completing a scavenger hunt. The museum café will also be open, serving delicious croque-monsieur and croque-madame sandwiches, in addition to other menu items.

In addition the current exhibition, the 2011 College Invitational will be on view in the Mary Waterman Gildehaus Community Gallery. Over 40 works from area college students will be featured in the exhibition covering a variety of mediums, including book arts, drawing, painting, photography, and video.  This exhibition will be on view until December 31, 2011.

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in Downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, Sundays noon to 5 pm and Thursdays 10 am to 9 pm.  To contact the museum, please call 563-326-7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

-end-

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS - The old adage "the show must go on" has proven all too true after an accident left actor Lora Adams with a torn ankle ligament. "We seriously looked at doing another show where I could sit, but in the end we decided to push back the opening a few days so I could heal enough to do the show," said Adams.

The play, which features Adams and Steve Lasiter will open on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:30 pm, with additional performances on the 17th, 18th and 19th at 7:30 pm and Sunday the 20th at 2:30 pm.  "Ideally, we would have liked to do all 8 performances, but "A Tuna Christmas" is scheduled to open right after on November 25th so we hope that we can fill the seats for these performances," said associate producer Tristan Tapscott.

"The Turn of the Screw" is being directed by Patti Flahrety, stage managed by Joe Maubach with lighting design by Tristan Tapscott and costumes by Candace Eastman.

The performance on Thursday, November 17th is a fundraising event for the Bettendorf Rotary.

The Turn of the Screw runs November 15, 17, 18 and 19 at 7:30 pm and November 20 at 2:30 pm. Admission is $20 general admission, $18 Seniors (60+) and $15 students. The District Theatre is located at 1611 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Reservations can be made by calling 309-235-1654.  More information can be found at www.districttheatre.com

Over 60 national employers participating in virtual career fair this Thursday

 

Waterloo, IA - Today, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a virtual online job fair for veterans this Thursday November 10, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Central Time, the day before Veterans Day.

"Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation and after returning from the battlefield they deserve good jobs," Braley said. "I am committed to use every opportunity possible to help these veterans.  Iowa veterans should visit www.veteranscareerfair.com to register and take advantage of this great opportunity."

Over 60 national employers and nearly 40,000 veterans have already registered to participate in the online career fair.

"As we work to help Veterans find good paying jobs, it is important that we take advantage of online resources that connect our Veterans with employers around the Nation who want to hire these highly qualified and experienced men and women," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register at http://www.veteranscareerfair.com for the online career fair.  During the career fair on Thursday, veterans from across Iowa and the country can log in and visit virtual employer booths, search for and apply to job openings, and chat with recruiters online.

Braley is the Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and last month held a field hearing in Waterloo that focused on veterans' economic opportunity and job creation, focusing especially on Iowa National Guard and Reserve members who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

# # #

Le Claire, Iowa, November 8, 2011 - Mississippi River Distilling Company has recently been recognized with two exceptional industry awards for their spirits.  MRDC's River Pilot Vodka received the Beverage Tasting Institute's (BTI) Gold Medal in the International Review of Spirits as well as a Bronze Medal at this year's 2011 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC).

River Pilot was recognized in BTI's Unflavored Vodka category.  The tasting was completed in BTI's Chicago Tasting Room on November 1.  River Pilot received a score of 90, which put it in the "Exceptional" category and garnered the gold medal award.

BTI described River Pilot as, "Aromas of rye cracker and salt water taffy with a satiny dryish medium-to-full body and a grainy, creamy vanilla, dusty stone, and Brazil nut accented finish.  A nice balance of raw and refined characteristics."

The Beverage Testing Institute relies heavily on highly experienced, professional guest tasters who are either retailers, restaurateurs, or prominent writers that are especially knowledgeable about the beverage category being reviewed.  All panelists are rigorously screened and audited and then trained in BTI's proprietary blind tasting methodology.

The second award came from the prestigious New York International Spirits Competition.  NYISC uses trade-only judges from top to bottom that consist of people who are buyers from the top retail stores, restaurant and bar owners, distributors and importers.  Each submission is placed in its product category and along with other spirits in its same price range.  While the full list of 2011 winners has not yet been publicized, in 2010 only 2 medals were awarded in this highly competitive category.

"These are fantastic awards and such a compliment to what we are doing," Ryan Burchett, owner/distiller says.  "To have a product handmade from local ingredients be recognized with by two prominent nationally recognized organizations in the industry is just outstanding.  It lends a lot of credibility to what little guys like us are doing."

These awards are on the heels of another national recognition for MRDC's River Baron Vodka.  In August, River Baron was recognized as the 8th best vodka made in the United States by TheFiftyBest.com.

It's been an exciting time at the distillery as MRDC crossed another big milestone over the weekend.  The distillery welcomed its 20,000th visitor in less than 11 months of being open.

"It has been so encouraging to visit with all the people who have stopped in to see what we're all about," said owner/distiller Garrett Burchett.  "People have taken such a tremendous interest in our locally grown products.  We love having the opportunity to share our story with everyone who walks in the door and for them to see the grain-to-glass process in person."

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.  Mississippi River Distilling Company's next product release will be their much anticipated Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey will hit store shelves on December 2, 2011

BOSTON–Before digging into Thanksgiving dinner, it is customary to take a moment to give thanks for the people and events that positively shape our lives. But, as the November 2011 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter reveals, it may be beneficial to express gratitude on a more regular basis.

Research shows that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Reflecting on what one is grateful for results in more positive emotions, greater satisfaction from good experiences, improved health, greater ability to deal with adversity, and stronger relationships.

Editor in Chief Dr. Michael Miller notes that whether someone is thankful for past blessings, present happenings, or is focused on remaining positive for the future, expressing gratitude forces him to refocus on what he has instead of what he lacks. And, while any expression of gratitude is likely to boost morale, like a muscle, this mental state grows stronger with use and practice.

This month`s issue reviews the benefits of gratitude and offers advice on how to cultivate this state of mind, from writing a thank you note to praying or meditating.

Read the full-length article: "In praise of gratitude"

Other topics covered in this issue include :

  • Preventing mental illness in children with depressed parents
  • Causes of common memory lapses
  • Could nicotine boost weight loss?
  • Best psychotherapy for social anxiety disorder
  • People with borderline personality disorder often recover with time
  • Sleeping problems increase chances of cognitive decline
  • Is it possible to become addicted to chocolate?

The Harvard Mental Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $59 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/mental or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).

XXX

Children are invited to Brucemore for a festive and memorable evening of holiday tradition?Santa, Snacks and Stories on Sunday, December 4 and Tuesday, December 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The mansion's holiday décor and the estate's seasonal spirit add to the evening's activities. In the Visitor Center, children will be delighted by two new activities: sing-a-long caroling with Brucemore's most famous resident, Leo the Lion, and a cookie decorating station. In the mansion, children will make reindeer hats, listen to a holiday story, and give Santa their wish-lists. In between activities, children and parents are invited to freely roam the mansion and ask any questions to the available stationary guides.

Admission is $7 per child and $5 per child of a Brucemore member. One adult is free per child admission; each additional adult is $5.  Space is limited. Call (319) 362-7375 for reservations. For further information or to register online, visit www.brucemore.org. Santa, Snacks, and Stories is sponsored by US Bank.

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The 26-acre park-like estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids boasts a delightful Queen Anne style mansion built between 1884 and 1886. Brucemore has been home to three prominent families who used the estate as a center for culture and the arts. The estate continues to be a hub for cultural, philanthropic, and educational activities. Each year thousands of visitors attend specialty tours, musical events, fine arts performances, children's programs, holiday celebrations, and garden walks held on the estate. For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

###

Amana - Want a sweet treat this holiday season? Come and see The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences production of Raggedy Ann and Andy's Yuletide Adventure. Help Raggedy Ann & Andy outsmart the witch and have a wonderful holiday adventure in Grandma's attic.

The show opens Saturday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. on The Old Creamery's Main Stage.

Written by Gene Mackey and based on characters created by Johnny Gruelle, the cast of Raggedy Ann & Andy's Yuletide Adventure consists of Kamille Zbanek of Ely, John Hill of Rockford Il, Laura Ambrose of Minneapolis Minn., Jackie McCall of Marengo, Nicholas Hodge of South Amana and Steve Weiss of Central City.

Tickets are $8 per person. Show times are 11 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Call the box office at 800-35-AMANA or visit the website at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Group and student rates are available.

The Old Creamery Theatre for Young Audiences shows are sponsored by Scheels of Coralville with Mix 96.5 as the media sponsor.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 40 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest. We thank KGAN and Fox 28, our 2011 season media sponsor.
Ron Paul Two-Day Tour to Include 'Restore America Now' MeetingsInterviews, voter outreach, GOP fundraiser, and Thanksgiving Family Forum round out visit
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will return to Iowa for a two-day comprehensive tour consisting of media, voter and GOP outreach activities.

The visit will occur on Friday and Saturday, November 18-19.  Day one of Dr. Paul's visit will include a live in-studio interview with WHO Radio's Jan Mickelson, followed by three 'Restore America Now' meetings.  Day two includes a Warren County Republican Party breakfast fundraiser, an editorial board meeting with the Des Moines Register, followed by a Thanksgiving Family Forum held by The Family Leader.

"Ron Paul's latest visit gives our campaign ample opportunity to reach voters directly and indirectly concerning the pressing issues Iowans are facing," said Drew Ivers, Iowa Chair for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign. 

"A national debt now equal to GDP, and joblessness, are on Iowans' minds.  Make no mistake Ron Paul will be as forthcoming with the people as he's been throughout this whole election cycle," said Mr. Ivers.

Details of the visit are as follows.  All times Central.

Friday, November 18, 2011

10:00 a.m.
Interviewed live in-studio w/ Jan Mickelson
WHO Radio - 1040 AM
2141 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, Iowa 50312

1:00 p.m.    
Benton County 'Restore America Now' Meeting
Pizza Ranch
219 West 4th Street
Vinton, Iowa 52349

4:00 p.m.
Jones County 'Restore America Now' Meeting
Lawrence Community Center
600 East Main Street
Anamosa, Iowa 52205

7:00 p.m.
Cedar Rapids 'Restore America Now' Meeting
The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
7725 Kirkwood Blvd. S.W.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

Saturday November 19, 2011

9:00 a.m.
Warren County GOP Breakfast Fundraiser
Indianola Christian Union Church
705 East Euclid Avenue
Indianola, Iowa 50125

11:00 a.m.
Editorial Board Meeting
Des Moines Register
715 Locust Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309

4:00 p.m.
The Family Leader - Thanksgiving Family Forum
First Federated Church
4801 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50310
###

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said it's very good news that the veterans hiring legislation he and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus introduced in January may be included in a larger proposal that the Senate will vote on this week.

"These men and women are extremely capable," Grassley said.  "They have a lot of skills to offer in the workplace.  The legislation that Senator Baucus and I put together would clear some bureaucratic hurdles and add a financial incentive to encourage employers to seek out veterans.  These steps are a logical follow-up to my effort to increase the IRS' hiring of veterans.  The IRS saw the value of this pool of potential workers and followed through on increased hiring of veterans.  Other employers, including small businesses, should have similar opportunities.  Whether our bipartisan legislation is included by amendment, or when the larger package is brought up for a vote, the veterans hiring proposal needs to be passed."

As introduced, the Veterans Employment Transition Act, or the VETs Jobs bill, would reward employers for hiring qualified veterans who have recently completed their service in the military with a tax credit of up to $2,400 per veteran.  A previous version of this credit, which was part of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and also authored by Grassley and Baucus, was designed to help employers hire veterans but expired at the end of 2010.  The new version of the legislation would reinstate the tax credit and make it easier for veterans and small businesses to use.  As a result, servicemen and women who have been recently discharged would be able to provide documentation directly from the Department of Defense without having to go through the tax credit's current certification process.

Any veteran who has left active duty in the past five years who has discharge paperwork showing 180 days of qualified active duty would be eligible for the credit. This would include those men and women who were activated by their states as members of the National Guard.  The bill also helps service members market themselves to prospective employers by requiring the military to educate service members about how the credit works.

Noting that the unemployment rate for veterans is higher than for non-veterans nationwide, the senators first introduced the VETs Jobs bill in May 2010.

-30-

Pages