On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott named Jason LaFond to the Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board, with a term ending February 1, 2027. This board has been chartered with a significant task: to create a business plan aimed at procuring cost-effective drugs and medical supplies for public employees.
LaFond, an Austin-base lawyer at Scott Douglass & McConnico LLP, carries a hefty resume. His previous positions include assistant solicitor general, in addition to serving as associate vice president for Legal Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. His legal expertise is complemented by a strong foundation in economics and political science, with degrees from the University of Maryland and American University, and a juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. His membership within the State Bar of Texas and its Civil Appellate Section, the Austin Bar Association Civil Appellate Section and, the Federalist Society illustrates a deep-rooted involvement in legal circles.
The appointment comes amid ongoing conversations regarding healthcare affordability. The Texas Pharmaceutical Initiative Governing Board is set as a pivot point for change by officials and observers alike, who are eager to see how the board's strategic direction might impact drug pricing and availability for those employed by the public sector, as per the Office of the Texas Governor website.
