Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

AARP: Do you support or oppose New York State bulk purchasing of prescription drugs? Do you support or oppose reporting of drug company marketing expenses to doctors?

Democratic Candidate Brian Keeler: The Senate Republican Majority, failed to support the bulk purchasing bill (A.6336-b) that would have given millions of individuals in New York State dramatic drug discounts from pharmaceutical companies. The bill would have organized the bargaining clout of individual consumers, state public employee health plans, Medicaid and the EPIC program into the most powerful buying pool in the country. The bill also would have allowed other states to particpate in NY's bulk purchasing plan, increasing the plan's bargaining leverage even more. I also support the required reporting of drug company marketing expenses to doctors. The Senate Republican Majority killed legislation requiring such disclosure, due to intense lobbying from pharmaceutical companies who are among the largest contributors to the Senate Republican Majority.

Long-Term Care

AARP: Do you support or oppose increased funding for non-institutional long-term care alternatives such as assisted living and home care services? Do you support or oppose the preservation of access to affordable long-term care services under Medicaid? Do you support or oppose the providing of services to family caregivers?

Brian Keeler: New York State must address the anticipated increased need for long-term care services and develop a comprehensive Long Term Care system to promote consumer choice and independence that will allow individuals to remain in their homes for as long as possible. We must also ensure that our long term care system protects the health and safety of those receiving long term care services, regardless of the setting where long term care is delivered. Services, such as respite services, are vitally necessary for family care givers, who are often consumed and exhausted by the demanding nature of providing long term care to a loved one at home. Offering respite services provides family care givers with much needed time for rest and restoration.

Home Improvement

AARP: Do you support or oppose requiring contractors to be registered and bonded? Do you support or oppose increased penalties for violations? Do you support or oppose the establishment a consumer recovery fund?

Brian Keeler: I strongly support legislation to require home improvement contractors to be registered and bonded. I also support the establishment of a recovery fund to help compensate victims for actual losses when the contractor refuses, is unwilling, or unable to fulfill the contract. There are many issues confronting seniors when it comes to home improvement; and I will be a strong advocate in the Legislature to ensure that they are afforded adequate consumer protection.

Cell Phones

AARP: Do you support or oppose contract cancellation 15 days after first month's bill without penalty? Do you support or oppose disclosure of cell phone's enhanced 911 capabilities? Do you support or oppose disclosure of all costs and receipt of bill estimate prior to contract signing?

Brian Keeler: I will be a strong advocate for legislation providing cell phone customers with additional information and consumer protections. New Yorkers, particularly seniors, rely on cell phones for safety and security, and it is vital they fully understand and are aware of a cell phone's potentially life-saving 911 capabilities. Cell phone consumers are often confused by their billng statements and lack a full understanding of the terms and conditions accompanying cell phone purchases, which often require that the buyer commit to a year or more of service. We need laws enacting measures ensuring that all cell phone companies fully disclose to all their consumers, in a clear and understandable way, billing statements, purchase terms, and all the uses and features of a cell phone.