Wilmington – Attorney General Beau Biden today announced that his office, along with those of 29 other state attorneys general, has reached a settlement against the McKesson Corporation, one of the nation’s largest drug wholesalers. The settlement resolves claims that the company violated state and Federal False Claims Acts by artificially inflating the prices that Medicaid paid for large quantities of prescription drugs.

“Because of this illegal conduct, the Delaware Medicaid program was overcharged hundreds of thousands of dollars that should have been spent on meeting the medical needs of our citizens,” Biden said. “This settlement will help restore those taxpayer funds so that Medicaid can continue to serve the many Delawareans whose healthcare depends on it.”

The states’ investigation focused on McKesson’s reporting of drug pricing data for multiple drugs which, in turn, was used to set pharmacy reimbursement rates for drugs dispensed to Delaware Medicaid beneficiaries.  The states alleged that McKesson reported inflated “Average Wholesale Price” (AWP) data to First Data Bank (FDB), a publisher of drug prices, thereby inflating many AWP benchmark prices that are used by Delaware to set reimbursements.

In April, 2012 the U.S. government settled the federal portion of this lawsuit for more than $187 million.  The agreement announced today recovers the state Medicaid share for Delaware, which totals $115,000. The overall recovery attributable to Delaware’s Medicaid program (representing McKesson’s April 2012 payments to the federal government for damages suffered by Delaware’s Medicaid program, combined with the state settlement announced today), is $329,000.

The states’ suit was filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey.  To date, federal and state governments have also recovered more than $2 billion from drug manufacturers that were alleged to have reported inflated AWP information to FDB and other publishers of drug prices.

Delaware and the other states were represented in this case by a national settlement team comprised of members from the states of California and New York working through the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

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Dover – Seventeen (17) people were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs during the fifth weekend of the 2012 Checkpoint Strikeforce DUI prevention campaign.  This brings the total DUI arrests made as part of the campaign to 59.  Statewide, there have been over 2,800 DUI arrests made in Delaware this year.

In addition to the checkpoint DUI arrests last weekend, officers issued 3 citations for underage drinking, issued 1 cell phone citations, apprehended 9 wanted individuals, made 3 drug arrests, issued 7 seat belt citations, and issued 73 citations for various other traffic violations.

Three checkpoints are scheduled to take place the weekend of August 3rd.   They are scheduled for:

Friday August 3rd –  Wilmington – (DSP)- checkpoint

Rehoboth Beach- (multi-jurisdictional effort)- checkpoint

Saturday August 4th –  Seaford- (multi-jurisdictional effort)- checkpoint

Checkpoint Strikeforce is a regional sobriety checkpoint campaign aimed at arresting DUI offenders, by using high visibility enforcement to deter those who would otherwise choose to drink and drive.  The campaign, a six month long effort running through New Year’s Eve, involves setting up weekly DUI checkpoints statewide.

For more information on Checkpoint Strikeforce visit www.ohs.delaware.gov, www.DUIRealTime.com and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Veterans’ Opportunity Tax Credit Helps Businesses Hire Recent Combat Veterans

WILMINGTON – Standing with veterans, members of the Delaware National Guard and legislative leaders, Governor Jack Markell signed legislation creating a new effort to help put recent combat veterans to work when they return from service. The “Veterans’ Opportunity Tax Credit” will give companies a $1,500 annual tax credit for each recent veteran they hire.

“Putting Delawareans, including our veterans, back to work is critical,” Governor Markell said. “Our Veterans’ Opportunity Tax Credit supports veterans in finding a job when they return home.  It’s the right thing to do for them, for our country and for business. ”

Traditionally, veterans have an unemployment rate that’s below the national average, but that has not held true for veterans who have served since 2001. In fact, their unemployment rate nationally has actually been higher– averaging more than 12 percent in 2011. As recently as January 2011, the unemployment rate for recently returning veterans was a disturbing 15.2 percent. The January 2012 national unemployment rate among recently returning veterans was 9.1 percent, still well above the national average of 8.3 percent.

Rep. Earl Jaques, the lead sponsor of the bill, chair of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and himself a 36-year veteran of the Delaware National Guard, said that encouraging businesses to help returning veterans will have a positive effect on both the companies and the veterans.

“One in six homeless people are veterans, and with all of our military members returning home, we don’t want those numbers to swell,” said Rep. Jaques, D-Glasgow. “Today’s veteran is not from your father’s military. They are technologically savvy and have operated in some of the worst conditions imaginable, so companies who hire them will get an outstanding employee. I appreciate Governor Markell support through the signing of this bill into law.”

The Veterans Opportunity Tax credit will allow any business can take a tax credit of 10 percent of the gross wages paid to qualified veterans, with a cap of $1,500. The cap will continue for three tax years, so the total benefit to the employer could be $4,500 per veteran hired. The credit can be taken by any private sector business, and can be credited against personal income taxes, corporate income taxes, bank franchise taxes and insurance premium taxes. Because the tax credit is refundable, businesses without tax liabilities can use the tax credits immediately.

“We know veterans have a lot of skills that employers value – they are disciplined, willing to work and take responsibility,” said Sen. George H. Bunting Jr., D-Bethany Beach, who is a decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War and the lead Senate sponsor. “This incentive might give an employer the nudge they need to help our returning veterans land on their feet with a good job and I am grateful for the Governor’s support.”

Because the Veterans’ Opportunity Tax Credit is more significant than some other job creation programs launched during the Markell administration, businesses would not be able to double-count a qualifying veteran as a new hire under the New Economy Jobs Program tax credit, or tax credits for qualified investment in business facilities and targeted areas.

“This is an example of how support continues from our local legislators for our military,” said Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala, adjutant general of the Delaware National Guard. “The economy is still a challenge and it’s this type of action that is beneficial to our military and especially small businesses. We are appreciative and applaud the initiative.”

JPMorgan Chase, the site of Tuesday’s bill signing, is one company that has taken the lead in putting Delawareans back to work. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to expand its operations in Delaware and add up to 1,200 new jobs in the state. In addition, they are committed to helping our returning veterans find employment. Early in 2011, JPMorgan Chase established its Office of Military and Veterans Affairs charged with developing a firm-wide, comprehensive strategy focused on jobs, military and veteran homeownership, and education. The company has committed resources across the company to address the issues facing service members, veterans and their families.

“We applaud the governor’s leadership in providing incentives for Delaware businesses to hire veterans,” said Keith Schuck, an Army veteran and president of Chase Bank, NA. “I am proud of JPMorgan Chase’s efforts, which are not simply about hiring veterans but providing them with the skills and training they need to turn that job into a meaningful career. Since 2011, we have hired nearly 100 veterans in Delaware, thousands more around the country and are committed to hiring more veterans through the 100,000 Jobs Mission.”

The credit focused on helping combat veterans, would be available only for hiring a veteran who has served recently in a hostile theatre, as evidenced by receipt of an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, or Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (which covers the Middle East, portions of Africa, and many other countries).  Those medals are available to service members who served 30 continuous days (or 60 days if non-continuous) in the relevant theatre. The time requirement is waived for service members who took part in combat or were wounded in the line of duty while in theatre.

Wilmington – Attorney General Beau Biden today announced that his office, along with those of 29 other state attorneys general, has reached a settlement against the McKesson Corporation, one of the nation’s largest drug wholesalers. The settlement resolves claims that the company violated state and Federal False Claims Acts by artificially inflating the prices that Medicaid paid for large quantities of prescription drugs. 

“Because of this illegal conduct, the Delaware Medicaid program was overcharged hundreds of thousands of dollars that should have been spent on meeting the medical needs of our citizens,” Biden said. “This settlement will help restore those taxpayer funds so that Medicaid can continue to serve the many Delawareans whose healthcare depends on it.”

The states’ investigation focused on McKesson’s reporting of drug pricing data for multiple drugs which, in turn, was used to set pharmacy reimbursement rates for drugs dispensed to Delaware Medicaid beneficiaries.  The states alleged that McKesson reported inflated “Average Wholesale Price” (AWP) data to First Data Bank (FDB), a publisher of drug prices, thereby inflating many AWP benchmark prices that are used by Delaware to set reimbursements. 

In April, 2012 the U.S. government settled the federal portion of this lawsuit for more than $187 million.  The agreement announced today recovers the state Medicaid share for Delaware, which totals $115,000. The overall recovery attributable to Delaware’s Medicaid program (representing McKesson’s April 2012 payments to the federal government for damages suffered by Delaware’s Medicaid program, combined with the state settlement announced today), is $329,000.

The states’ suit was filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey.  To date, federal and state governments have also recovered more than $2 billion from drug manufacturers that were alleged to have reported inflated AWP information to FDB and other publishers of drug prices.
           
Delaware and the other states were represented in this case by a national settlement team comprised of members from the states of California and New York working through the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

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Governor, Congressional Delegation, DNREC Secretary cut ribbon on $3.2M Bayshore Initiative facility

SLAUGHTER BEACH (July 30, 2012) – Governor Jack Markell, Senator Tom Carper and Senator Chris Coons joined DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and Slaughter Beach Mayor Amy J. Reed Parker today to cut the ribbon and dedicate the new Lacy E. Nichols Jr. Cedar Creek Boating Access Area in Slaughter Beach east of Milford. The new facility is a key project in the recently announced Delaware Bayshore Initiative, which promotes conservation and restoration of natural resources, enhances recreational opportunities and encourages low-impact ecotourism to support the local economy along Delaware’s coastline.

The $3.2 million project was recently completed by Delaware contractor Kuhn Construction of Hockessin. Funding to replace the old facility consisted of 75 percent Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Funds allocated to DNREC by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and 25 percent State of Delaware matching funds from recreational fishing license fees. The Federal Aid funds come from excise taxes on fishing equipment and a portion of the federal motor fuels tax.

“This project put Delawareans to work, building a new facility that now provides anglers and boaters with improved access to the Delaware Bay,” said Governor Jack Markell. “Because of people working together on this project, so many more people will enjoy the waterways of the Delaware Bayshore.”

“Boating and fishing are vital components in Delaware’s tourism economy, supporting nearly 60,000 jobs in our state,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.). “Cedar Creek has long been one of the busiest boat launch locations in the state. Replacing the old ramps with this attractive, efficient, eco-friendly facility is a smart investment that will support our tourism industry.”

“This expansion and improvement to the Cedar Creek boat ramp will greatly improve access to the Delaware Bayshore while marking an important step in promoting ecotourism and recreation and ultimately in boosting the local economy,” U.S. Senator Chris Coons said. “As one of Delaware’s busiest boat launch locations, I am pleased that a combination of federal and state funding was used for this important project. It’s a terrific example of why partnerships are essential in moving forward projects that will help strengthen our economy.”

“Mispillion Harbor is one of the many gems of the Delaware Bayshore,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, “and the Cedar Creek facility will significantly expand access for fishing and ecotourism. Through habitat restoration efforts and recreational enhancements, we will make the Delaware Bayshore a world-class conservation area and low-impact recreation destination.”

The new Cedar Creek facility is designed following national standards and guidelines developed by the States Organization for Boating Access, and will be barrier free, meeting all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations for accessibility. The facility features eight 16-foot wide concrete launch lanes with a deep V groove finish, and five full-floatation, low-maintenance aluminum boarding docks and one full-floatation aluminum courtesy dock with an aluminum gangway connected to a 30-foot timber walkway.

Ample parking is provided in a lighted area paved with specialized permeable concrete pavers – similar in appearance to patio bricks with holes that allow rain, stormwater and tidal water to drain through the parking surface. The facility includes 148 car/trailer parking spaces, 13 handicapped access spaces, 10 single car spaces, seven staging spaces and six spaces reserved for enforcement/fire rescue/emergency vehicles. The new facility also includes an approved stormwater management system with about 8,800 square feet of wetland plantings, a pump-out station and porta-potties.

The new boat ramp is named for Lacy E. “Nick” Nichols of Dover, who worked for the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife for 23 years. As the Division’s construction manager, Nichols oversaw many key maintenance and construction projects at Division properties throughout the state, including popular fishing piers at Woodland Beach and Cape Henlopen and many facility upgrades such as the Aquatic Resources Education Center near Smyrna and the DuPont Nature Center at Slaughter Beach.

Nichols also worked on and oversaw numerous boat ramp upgrades and construction/ replacement projects, including Masseys Landing near Ocean View, Seaford on the Nanticoke River, Phillips Landing near Bethel on Broad Creek accessing the Nanticoke River, Scottons Landing on the St. Jones River near Dover, Delaware City on the Delaware River, and the Lewes Boat Ramp, completed in 2009. Overseeing the replacement of the Cedar Creek boat ramp was Nichols’ most recent project – and one of the largest – prior to his retirement this past April.

“Nick Nichols did outstanding work for the Division, and the projects he worked on will benefit Delawareans and visitors for many years to come,” said Division of Fish and Wildlife Director David Saveikis. “We are naming this great facility for Nick as a lasting tribute to his hard work and contributions to outdoor recreation and conservation in Delaware. His innovative and successful projects have served and will continue to serve Delaware’s boaters and anglers.”

The old Cedar Creek ramp facility was outdated, with the 6-lane portion built in the early 1970s and the original 2-lane launch area even older. The facility also was too small to handle the amount of use it received as one of the busiest boat launch locations in the state. Construction on the new facility began in late November of 2011.

This project is part of DNREC’s Bayshore Initiative, a landscape approach to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat, increase volunteer participation in habitat stewardship projects, enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities, and promote associated environmentally compatible economic development. In 2011, the Delaware National Bayshore plan received national recognition as one of two Delaware projects included in a 50-state report from the U.S. Department of the Interior outlining some of the country’s most promising ways to reconnect Americans to the natural world.

Since 1937, Delaware has received matching funds for fish and wildlife conservation projects from the federal Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. This pioneering program today serves as a model for cost-effective fish and wildlife conservation and fishing and hunting access funded by those who directly benefit from the resource – the anglers and hunters. Their contributions through this “user pay, public benefit” conservation funding model benefit all Delawareans. In 2012, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are celebrating the 75th anniversary of this longstanding and very productive state and federal partnership.