Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

June 18, 2026

Expansion of Prescription Drug Program Passes House

It’s a frightening line – “Unfortunately, tests indicate that you have cancer.”

Regardless of what comes next, how early or late the diagnosis was made or how treatable the disease is, being informed that you or a loved one has cancer is likely to turn your life upside down.

Now, imagine not being able to afford treatment.

Consider capecitabine, a common chemotherapy prescription used to treat various cancers, including colorectal, breast, stomach and pancreatic cancers. Without insurance, the list price can land as high as $2,700 per two-week cycle.

Now, consider the American Society of Clinical Oncology estimation that over $3 billion worth of cancer medication, much of which is capecitabine, gets thrown away every year.

Because we have friends and neighbors struggling to pay for prescriptions that somewhere else are being destroyed and wanting to see a well-intended but underused program to address the problem to be overhauled, I was quick to support House Bill 69. It would make it easier for providers to participate and open the program to include drugs for other conditions.

Pennsylvania’s existing Cancer Drug Repository Program allows drug providers and manufacturers to donate legally obtained cancer drugs to participating pharmacies. It collects unused cancer drugs and redistributes them to patients who may otherwise struggle to afford them. Drafted in 2008, the program has been somewhat underused because only two pharmacies participated in the program.

The bill’s author, Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), told lawmakers that a constituent came to his office with a bag of medications intended for his wife, who passed soon after they were filled. Unable to donate them, the husband was bothered by his only option – to discard them, knowing that someone, somewhere could really use them.

Passed by a unanimous vote, House Bill 69 proposes to expand the program to include all prescription drugs. In addition, the new program would allow health care facilities and individuals to also make donations.

According to KFF, a health policy, poll and research organization, roughly 40% of U.S. adults prescribed a medication report not taking their prescribed medication as directed in the past year because of cost.

The bill includes strong safety and quality provisions to ensure that only medications meeting strict criteria may be accepted. Donated drugs must be unopened, sealed in their original packaging and unexpired. These safeguards help ensure that any medication distributed through the repository is safe, effective and handled in accordance with established health standards. Pharmacies and medical facilities participating in the program would continue to play a key role in evaluating donations, managing inventory and dispensing medication to qualified patients.

Programs like this are not new; in fact, Pennsylvania is following a trend already embraced by 44 other states with similar laws that have resulted in significant savings and improved access for vulnerable populations.

By aligning with these established efforts, House Bill 69 positions Pennsylvania to streamline medication donation practices, improve continuity of care and encourage responsible management of prescription resources.

With its passage in the House, House Bill 69 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

An Ice Cream Lover’s Dream Getaway!  - Looking for a way to sweeten your summer? Check out this year’s Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail to help find the best cool treats of the season. 

This year’s trail features 59 participating PA Preferred creameries, one of which is Jerry’s Custard in Lower Burrell. Jerry’s is a neighborhood staple, known for its freshly made waffle cones and gourmet custard!

From working dairy farms where visitors can meet the cows to artisan micro creameries crafting bold, rotating flavors, the 2026 lineup offers something for every kind of ice cream adventurer across all corners of the Commonwealth.

Participants can accumulate points by visiting trail stops and making purchases. Plan your adventures, learn about participating creameries and sign up for the free digital passport at visitpa.com/scooped. 

PGC Seeks Entries for Art Contests - Are you an artist with a love of the outdoors? The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is seeking entries for two art contests: the Waterfowl Management Stamp Contest and the Working Together for Wildlife Art Contest. 

Entries for the stamp contest must feature one of five eligible species: Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Redhead or Canada Goose. The winning artwork will be printed as the 2027 Pennsylvania Waterfowl Management Stamp and fine art print. 

For the Working Together contest, the featured category is shorebirds. Qualifying submissions must include at least one of various types of shorebirds in an original, full-color horizontal or vertical painting. The artist whose painting is selected for the 2027 Working Together for Wildlife fine art print series will receive $5,000, plus 25 artist proof prints. 

Participants must be Pennsylvania residents. For additional details and official rules for each contest, visit pa.gov. 



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com