By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill. – Aides to Rod Blagojevich say the Illinois governor will use his first State of the State address to propose a comprehensive prescription drug plan for Illinois' seniors.
The plan would pool the purchasing power of nine state agencies that currently purchase drugs. Spokeswoman Cheryl Jackson says the nine agencies currently spend about $1.8 billion on prescription medication; but says combining the programs and purchasing in bulk would save $60 million a year.
Jackson said Blagojevich will also seek federal funding to expand the state's Circuit Breaker pharmaceutical subsidy program for low-income seniors.