Stacy Mitchell was a featured speaker at the Maine Center for Economic Policy’s semi-annual conference. In an hour-long conversation with Arthur Phillips of MECEP, she talked about how concentrated corporate power has impacted Maine communities and what state leaders can do about it. She also detailed how anti-monopoly strategies would help restore our democracy and lead to a stronger, more dynamic economy by spurring new businesses, higher wages, and more vitality across the state.
One vivid example she offered can be observed in the pharmacy sector, where families often face difficulties accessing life-saving medicines due to the dominance of corporate control. Many communities, both urban and rural, currently suffer from what Stacy refers to as “pharmacy deserts.” However, Stacy points out a notable exception in North Dakota, which implemented a law prohibiting chain pharmacies from operating in the state. As a result, North Dakota now boasts the highest number of pharmacies per capita among all states, and its care outcomes outshine those of chain pharmacies.
Stacy explains that North Dakota serves as an illustrative case of the positive outcomes that can be achieved for communities and our democracy when laws are enacted to prevent corporate conglomerates from controlling our systems.
Watch the full conference here.
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