Carroll Combats Unethical Political Behavior, Overcharging for Insulin in Fall Session

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Over the recent fall legislative session, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, fought for higher ethical standards in government and fought to rein in insulin costs.

“During the last several weeks of the fall legislative session, we took big steps to combat the culture of unethical behavior that has thrived in Springfield for too many years,” Carroll said. “Our community deserves representatives that work for average people, not on behalf of powerful lobbyists influencing them with back room deals.”

Carroll voted to pass two ethics reform measures. Senate Bill 1639 requires lobbyists to disclose more specific details of their government access to ensure that no ethical lines are being crossed. House Joint Resolution 93 creates the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, a bipartisan task force to examine state ethics and lobbying laws.

Carroll also backed legislation to lower the cost of insulin for diabetics in Illinois. Senate Bill 667 is a bill capping patients’ insulin payments at $100 a month. This bill is addressing the massive spike in insulin prices; between 2002 and 2013, out-of-pocket costs for insulin increased almost 300%. There are 1.3 million adults with diabetes in Illinois, many of whom regularly rely on insulin to maintain their health and quality of life.

“People with diabetes are facing a crisis in their insulin costs. Too many pay too much for a medication that is vital to their wellbeing, and some patients are even forced to ration insulin, putting their health at risk,” Carroll said. “This public health crisis stems from pharmaceutical companies overcharging for this basic and lifesaving medication, all to pad their bottom lines and bolster their profit margins. The legislation we passed today puts a cap on monthly insulin costs, limiting the exploitation pharmaceutical companies can inflict on patients with diabetes, and likely saving the lives of countless of Illinoisans.”