Here's your daily briefing...
Drug Price Transparency: California lawmakers are calling for more transparency. A bill pushed by some Democrats would target insurance company negotiators who extract discounts from pharmaceutical companies for their employers. The negotiators have been accused using the secrecy to pocket some of the savings meant for consumers.
Plan B Battle Goes to College: Lawmakers in Sacramento are considering a requirement that would force both the University of California and California State University systems to offer ‘Plan B,’ the so-called ‘morning-after’ anti-pregnancy pill at their campus health centers. University officials are balking at the potential cost of adding the service, arguing referrals are adequate.
One of Us, One of Us: After facing angry crowds elsewhere, Congressman Doug LaMalfa went before a more friendly audience in Redding last night where the Republican Representative held the last of three town hall meetings.
Nielsen Demands Accountability: State Senator Jim Nielsen heaped criticism on Department of Water Resources officials over confusing statements prior to the Oroville Dam emergency. The reassuring statements ultimately proved false, when officials gave nearly 200,000 people less than an hour to flee. Nielsen said “there must be some accountability.”
Reward Available in Cold Case: The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward in hopes of spurring witnesses to come forward with tips that could help solve the execution-style murder of 52-year-old Corning handyman, Jeronimo Vallardares-Mata four years ago. Vallardares-Mata’s brother was killed in similar circumstances, also in Chico, in 2007.
More Affordable Housing Money?: Officials with the California League of Cities are reviewing legislative proposals to provide more funding for affordable housing. An endorsement from the lobbying group, which represents municipalities, could prove pivotal in the legislature.
Missing Girl Found: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Deputies caught up with and arrested a 50 year old Tennessee man suspected of kidnapping a 15 year old girl and vanishing a month ago. The girl was also found.
And on the California Report: A bill would eliminate some of the hurdles preventing injured firefighters working for the federal government from receiving disability benefits. Many are wildland firefighters…A missing immigrant rights advocate who vanished five days ago, has been found beaten and bloodied near Mexico City…More details about the victims killed in a Fresno rampage emerge…and a poll finds a surprising level of support for Trump-backed school vouchers in California.