By Sean Crawford, IL Public Radio
Springfield, ILL. – While Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich continues his push to allow the state to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, a state lawmaker says everyone should have that option.
Woodstock Democrat Jack Franks has introduced a measure that would direct the state to give information on how to buy medication from Canada and elsewhere to anyone who requests it. That's despite the federal government's assertion that such purchases are illegal.
"All we're doing is providing information," Franks says. "We are not actually providing or importing drugs,"
The idea is not entirely new. Another state lawmaker, Sen. Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) has posted similar information on his website in recent months.
But Franks' legislation would make it a state agency function. He plans to call the measure in the fall session next month.
Governor Blagojevich last week sent a group to Canada to investigate possible cost savings when it comes to state drug purchases.