Why are prescription drug prices so high, and who’s really in control?

Why are prescription drug prices so high, and who’s really in control?

That’s the focus of this episode of Jersey Rules, featuring Assemblyman Roy Freiman [https://www.assemblydems.com/180/Roy-Freiman---District-16] and his work to rein in pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the powerful middlemen operating behind the scenes of the prescription drug system. Through his legislation, the Patient and Provider Protection Act (A1502) [https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A1502], Freiman is pushing for greater transparency and accountability to lower costs for patients and protect independent pharmacies across New Jersey. In this conversation, we break down how PBMs operate, how they drive up the cost of prescription drugs, and what real reform could mean for families and small businesses across the state. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com [https://assemblydems.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doula Support, Stronger Starts: Policy Behind Better Beginnings

How can we improve maternal health outcomes? That question is at the heart of this episode of Jersey Rules and central to Assemblywoman Shanique Speight [https://www.assemblydems.com/200/Shanique-Speight---District-29]’s work as a maternal health advocate. Her legislation (A4222 [https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3091]), now law, expands public awareness of doula and midwife services across New Jersey, helping more families understand and access the support available to them. In this conversation, we hear from experts and a New Jersey mom about what that support really looks like and why it matters. Expanding awareness is a critical step toward improving maternal health outcomes and strengthening families across our state. In this episode: * Opening comments from Assemblywoman Shanique Speight * Julie Dees, MBA, LPC of Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Home Society of NJ * Uzo Achebe, MPH, Safer Childbirth Cities Supervisor/ Health Systems Liaison Mercer County, The Children’s Home Society of NJ and a Certified Doula * Ashley Macchiaverna, mom and real estate professional, who has experienced firsthand the impact of working with a doula (twice) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com [https://assemblydems.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Student Advocacy to Seizure Safety: The Story Behind Paul’s Law

A diagnosis at 12 turned into a movement that’s saving lives across New Jersey. In the latest episode of Jersey Rules, Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald [https://nj-newjerseylegislativead.civicplus.com/165/Louis-D-Greenwald---District-6] sits down with Paul St. Pierre and his mother, Colleen Quinn, to talk about how one family’s journey with epilepsy became a six-year push for change, leading to “Paul’s Law” and new statewide requirements for seizure recognition and first aid training in schools and workplaces.It’s a conversation about courage, persistence, and what happens when residents help shape policy that protects others. Real advocacy. Real impact. Real Jersey stories.Listen now and share with someone who should hear it. 🎙️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com [https://assemblydems.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Restoring Focus in the Classroom: What NJ’s Cell Phone and Internet-Enabled Device Law Means for Students

In this episode, we hear from Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie [https://www.assemblydems.com/203/Rosaura-Rosy-Bagolie---District-27]—a school superintendent herself—alongside Ahmad Hamdeh, Principal of Clifton High School, and Danny Robertozzi, Superintendent of Clifton Public Schools, as they break down what newly signed legislation (A4882 [https://www.assemblydems.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=12897]) means for restoring focus in the classroom. They discuss how the law sets clear, age-appropriate guidelines for student use of internet-enabled devices while preserving smart flexibility for safety, health, and learning needs—putting students, educators, and school communities first. “The goal of this bill is to ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie. “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our bill is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. This legislation is intended to ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com [https://assemblydems.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

De West New York a la Casa Estatal: La historia del Asambleísta Gabriel Rodríguez

Desde West New York hasta la Cámara de Representantes, la trayectoria del asambleísta Gabriel Rodríguez [https://www.assemblydems.com/223/Gabriel-Rodriguez---District-33] es sinónimo de servicio y orgullo comunitario. 🎧 Escuche su historia en nuestro último podcast Jersey Rules y en nuestro primer episodio en español. From West New York to the State House, Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez [https://www.assemblydems.com/223/Gabriel-Rodriguez---District-33]’s journey is one of service and community pride. 🎧 Listen to his journey in our latest Jersey Rules podcast and our first-ever Spanish-language episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit assemblydems.substack.com [https://assemblydems.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]