Senator Baldwin Highlights Success Cutting Prescription Drug Prices in Western Wisconsin

WISCONSIN – As the Inflation Reduction Act nears its one-year anniversary, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today visited Onalaska to celebrate prescription drug costs being cut for Wisconsin seniors because of the Baldwin-backed legislation. Senator Baldwin also joined the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers in Black River Falls to learn how her support for cranberry research is helping Wisconsin growers innovate for the future and grow their local economies. Senator Baldwin ended the day with a stop at the La Crosse REACH Center – a centralized hub for individuals who are experiencing homelessness – to highlight a $1 million federal investment she secured for the project.

Senator Baldwin toured Gunderson Pharmacy with Wisconsin seniors, health officials, and Protect Our Care to see how their 12-week pharmacy technician training program is building Wisconsin’s healthcare workforce and delivering Wisconsinites the medications they need. Senator Baldwin has long advocated for lower prescription drug costs and helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act in August of 2022, which gives Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, caps the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors on Medicare, and requires all vaccines covered under Medicare Part D to be completely free. Senator Baldwin has also advocated for capping the out-of-pocket cost of insulin for all patients at $35 per month and passing her bipartisan legislation – the FAIR Drug Pricing Act – to require basic transparency for pharmaceutical corporations that increase drug prices. 

“I’ve heard from seniors across Wisconsin who have been forced to ration or forgo their medications, all while drug companies turn record profits. No American, especially our seniors living on a fixed income, should have to choose between putting food on the table or accessing the prescriptions they need to stay healthy,” said Senator Baldwin. “That’s why I was proud to help pass the Inflation Reduction Act – which was signed into law almost a year ago – to finally provide some relief for Wisconsin families and hold big drug companies accountable for prioritizing profits over people.”

Today, Senator Baldwin also joined the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) at their annual summer field day at the Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station in Black River Falls. Since 2016, Senator Baldwin has secured annual federal funding for cranberry research through the Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Research Service. Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries, harvesting more than 60% of the country’s crop. Work at the Research Station helps develop and refine cranberry growing practices to improve crop yield and quality, minimize environmental impact and determine how to best manage pests and disease, and support the industry’s economic sustainability.

“Wisconsin’s cranberry farms are central to our rural economies, supporting good paying jobs and providing the country with high quality products,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to deliver funding to ensure Wisconsin’s cranberry growers have the tools and resources they need to keep Wisconsin the world’s largest cranberry growing region.”

On Wednesday, Senator Baldwin also visited the La Crosse REACH Center to highlight $1 million she secured for the Day Center to help prevent and end homelessness, alleviate poverty, and increase self-reliance. With the help of this federal funding, the REACH Center provides a centralized hub for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness to connect with services needed to secure stable housing and self-sufficiency.

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