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With families and individuals continuing to face high prices for groceries, gas, and other necessities, the last thing anyone needs is the price of their prescription drugs soaring. That’s why, this week, I led 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support Oregon’s drug price transparency law, which followed in the footsteps of California’s similar law, requiring pharmaceutical companies to report on high price increases and high-priced new drugs.
Excessive prescription drug prices are an unfair and undue financial burden that can threaten access to vital care. Drug price transparency laws help contain these costs and inform solutions on how we can hold companies accountable that are attempting to use life-saving medical treatments to turn a profit.
As California Attorney General, I’m using every tool I have to defend, protect, and strengthen access to high-quality, equitable healthcare for all. DOJ will continue leading the charge to ensure we’re building a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of our people over the profits of pharmaceutical companies.
In solidarity,
Rob
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Supporting Drug Pricing Transparency
 Oregon’s drug price transparency law, passed in 2018, is similar to a 2017 California law, Senate Bill 17. In the amicus brief, our coalition argues that state laws like Oregon’s serve important state interests, as recent dramatic increases in drug pricing impose harms on states and their residents.
According to a 2019 Gallup-West Health National Healthcare Study, more than 13 percent of American adults — or about 34 million people — reported knowing of at least one friend or family member in the past five years who died after not receiving needed medical treatment because they were unable to pay for it.
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Protecting our Children
 Together, the California Department of Consumer Affairs and I announced the arrest of and charges filed against a Temecula optometrist after he traveled to San Diego County to meet up with a 14-year-old boy for sexual contact. Let me be absolutely clear: Using the internet to target children for sex is a reprehensible and despicable crime. If you go after our children, we will hold you accountable.
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Addressing Extreme Heat and Wildfire Smoke
 In California, wildfires are now a year-round reality. This week, I joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general in urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update regulations to recognize extreme heat and wildfire smoke events as eligible for major disaster declarations. This would help states across the country more effectively respond with resources and support.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, Antitrust Law
Deputy Attorney General IV, DMFEA Criminal Prosecutions Unit
Deputy Attorney General IV, Health Education & Welfare
Deputy Attorney General IV, Health Quality Enforcement
Deputy Attorney General III, Employment Law Section
Community Outreach Manager, Community Awareness Response and Engagement
Crime Analyst II, Violent Crime Information Center
Java Developer, Firearms Software Development Unit
Information Officer I, Office of Communications
Paralegal, Tort & Condemnation
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Post of the Week
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In Case You Missed It: Holding Big Oil Accountable
 Petroleum companies should not get to reap mass profits out of the pockets of hardworking Californians through illegal market manipulation. Last week, I announced a $50 million settlement with Vitol, Inc. and SK Energy Americas, Inc., along with its parent company SK Trading International, resolving allegations that they took advantage of the market disruption following a February 2015 explosion at a gasoline refinery in Torrance, California to engage in a scheme to drive up gas prices.
To qualify for a settlement payment, you must submit a claim online at www.CalGasLitigation.com. The website is currently under development, but you can provide your contact information to receive an email when it is fully implemented.
Learn more here.
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