David Lombardo is reporting for Capitol Confidential advocates for AARP New York were at the Capitol May 14, to support a package of bills designed to bring drug prices down. The proposals would promote prescription cost transparency, allow the importation of potentially cheaper drugs and empower the state to prosecute drug manufacturers for price gouging. According to the AARP, brand-name drug prices increased an average of 8.4 percent from 2006 through 2017. The interest group estimates that nearly 40 percent of older Americans have cut back on other necessities, such as food and electricity, to afford their prescriptions. Under the proposed laws, federal regulators would be required to certify that a state importation program meets the national requirements and mandate that prescription drug manufacturers disclose agreements with generic drug manufacturers. “We must stop the ever-increasing costs of prescription drugs as our population ages and older Americans take an average of 4.5 medications a month,” AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel said in a statement. “These bills provide a tangible, effective and immediate way our state legislators can help protect their constituents.” Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.