Archive

Statement from PIE President Brady J. Buckner on H.R. 3

We at PIE are encouraged by Congress’ willingness to aggressively address the drug pricing issue in the U.S. However, H.R. 3, which would set drug prices by pegging Medicare payments to the average price in six other developed countries may be problematic. In these countries, pricing decisions are made using cost-benefit analyses, called "quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs)." These analyses have been described as discriminatory, especially against those living with disabilities or chronic diseases, as they put a dollar figure on "perfect" health. So even when a treatment works exactly as it's supposed to — and brings a patient back to his or her full life, those with underlying health conditions, like Lupus, are deemed to never be worth as much. Such analyses have a disproportionate negative effect on minority and underserved patients. 

According to Brady J. Buckner, Co-Founder of PIE, “We hope Congress will be mindful of the pitfalls that could materialize if the wrong approach is taken. For instance, in the United Kingdom's National Health Service, medicines that cost more than $42,000 annually generally aren't covered. For minority patients with illnesses like Lupus or Diabetes, this analysis could be a death nell.” – 4/28 (Link)

PIE Statement-Trump Administration “Most Favored Nations” Executive Order

  WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 24) – Brady Buckner, President of the Partnership for Innovation and Empowerment issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's "Most Favored Nations" drug plan:

The Partnership for Innovation and Empowerment (PIE) is urging the Trump Administration to reconsider implementation of its proposed “Most Favored Nations” Executive Order. While we are supportive of efforts to lower drug prices for the individuals in communities we represent, we do not believe this plan will accomplish that goal and could possibly make it more difficult for these individuals to access the drugs they need. 

Healthcare Equity Guidelines for the 116th Congress

PIE has joined a coalition of concerned social justice and civil rights organizations in supporting this letter to congress

PIE believes - Bridging the health equity gap must be prioritized at the highest level. The utilization of a holistic and inter-sectional approach which promotes social justice is essential to eliminating health disparities for diverse populations. This includes addressing the social determinants of health by creating environments that promote good health for all. 

PIE - Memo of Support for Sheridan Broadcasting Deal

We at PIE are happy to see that Sheridan Broadcasting has worked out a deal with Disney concerning Sheridan's next generation streaming technologies.  We salute Disney for working with a Black owned media company to show the world how to distribute video ads sold using Nielsen ratings within content pre-screened by humans (and therefore "brand safe") and distributed by FCC licensed content providers.  As part of our media inclusion initiative we have been fighting for the survival of Black owned media.  We can only hope to see more such deals in the future.

PARTNERSHIP FOR INNOVATION AND EMPOWERMENT MINORITY MEDIA INCLUSION INITIATIVE RELEASES CASE STUDY ON HOW 

GOOGLE PLAGIARIZED AND TRIED TO STEAL A PATENT

For Immediate Release – Press Advisory

Date: January 2, 2019

Contact: Brady Buckner

(202) 680-4749

Today, the Partnership for Innovation and Empowerment (PIE), through its Minority Media Inclusion Initiative is releasing a case study on how Google plagiarized and tried to steal a patent from Sheridan Broadcasting Corp. 

The case study created and written by Ronald Davenport, Jr. COO of Sheridan and forward written by Leroy Jones Jr., PIE Advisory Committee member and President of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, details the ways that large tech companies try to suppress competition and steal technology. “These monopolies like the large and powerful companies of old they have fought regulation and oversight with big money and influence. I understand that game. That’s why I will be formally requesting the appropriate Congressional Committees to investigate and hold hearings on their actions, and we will also be exploring all possible options to hold them accountable for their actions.” says Leroy Jones, Jr. 

PARTNERSHIP FOR INNOVATION AND EMPOWERMENT MINORITY MEDIA INCLUSION INITIATIVE RELEASES WHITE PAPER ON SHERIDAN BROADCASTING CORPS FIGHT WITH GUGGENHEIM CAPITAL PARTNERS

For Immediate Release – Press Advisory

Date: December 11, 2018

Contact: Brady Buckner

(202) 680-4749

Today, Partnership for Innovation and Empowerment (PIE) is releasing a white paper on the details of Sheridan Broadcasting Corp’s fight with Guggenheim Capital Partners over American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and Black News. The title of the white paper is “GUGGENHEIM KILLED BLACK NEWS: How a $250 Billion Dollar Hedge Fund Silenced the Last Black Owned Independent Media Network”.

The white paper created and written by Ronald Davenport, Jr. COO of Sheridan and Leroy Jones Jr., PIE Advisory Committee member and President of Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, details the brutal and ruthless fight to control AURN. “I will be formally requesting the appropriate Congressional Committees with oversight of venture capitalists, hedge funds, media companies and their practices to both investigate and hold hearings on the actions of these well-funded companies that have quietly silenced the voices of both our community and other vulnerable communities of color one by one.” says Leroy Jones, Jr.