2004 Adopted Resolutions
72nd Annual Meeting
Boston

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REIMPORTATION OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES FROM CANADA

WHEREAS, the high cost of prescription drugs has become a serious problem in cities across the United States, burdening individuals, families, municipal governments, and city taxpayers; and

WHEREAS, the federal government appears unable or unwilling to address this pressing issue, despite growing bi-partisan support at the local, state and federal levels; and

WHEREAS, a number of hard-pressed cities have adopted creative programs to circumvent the outrageous costs that seniors and others must pay for prescription drugs in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, a number of hard-pressed cities have adopted creative programs to circumvent the federally protected monopoly by domestic drug companies; and

WHEREAS, such initiatives have allowed covered individuals to purchase prescription medicines – identical to those they would have purchased in the U.S. – directly from Canadian pharmacies at prices well below those available in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, such initiatives have resulted in significant savings for city employees, retirees, and taxpayers,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors urges mayors to consider such initiatives as opportunities to lower the high cost of providing prescription drugs for employees and other citizens; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors calls upon the federal government to enact legislation that would allow U.S. citizens legal access to safe, affordable prescription medications from Canada, and to take other fundamental steps to bring about the reasonable pricing of prescription drugs in the U.S.