What to Know
- Re-introduced legislation would impose a new tax on drug manufacturers who sell opioid painkillers in Delaware.
- The legislation would impose a per-pill tax. Officials estimate that the tax would raise about $8 million over three years.
- The state Senate will vote on the bill Tuesday.
The state Senate is set to vote on legislation imposing a new tax on drug manufacturers who sell opioid painkillers in Delaware.
The bill to be voted on Tuesday is similar to a measure that was introduced last year but failed to get a floor vote.
The legislation imposes a per-pill tax on prescription opioids ranging from a few cents to a dollar or more, based on their strength and whether they are brand-name or generic.
The tax would be used to create a fund for drug treatment programs and research.
Officials estimate that the tax would raise about $8 million over three years. Critics say the cost will be passed on by the manufacturers to insurers, pharmacies and ultimately patients, who will end up paying more for their medicine.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
