Mediaboss Marketing

By Zoe Han

An overly consolidated market and lack of support for breastfeeding moms are some of the factors contributing to the formula shortage, experts said.

What can be done to prevent shortages of baby formula, tampons and other consumer products?

The U.S. Senate's Competition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights Subcommittee held a hearing this week to look at the baby-formula market in the U.S., and broader issue of supply-chain issues.

A national infant formula shortage has forced some desperate parents to drive long hours and scour stores and websites to find a formula for their babies. For the seven days ending May 29, 73% of baby formula products nationwide were out of stock, according to Datasembly, a retail-tracking group. And in some states such as California and Georgia, the out-of-stock rates were at more than 90%.

Baby formula isn't the only product vulnerable to sudden shortages; many industries are overly consolidated and overly reliant on a few big players, said one expert at the hearing.

"There are dozens, if not hundreds, of industries that would result in effects that would be far more devastating than what we've seen here," Barry Lynn, executive director of the liberal think tank Open Markets Institute in Washington, D.C., told the Senate hearing of the baby-formula supply-chain shortage.

One example: more than 95% of ingredients in generic drugs come from China, and their supply could easily be disrupted by diplomatic issues between the U.S. and China, Lynn said.

Baby formula stock was already running low before Abbott Laboratories, which controls 40% of the formula market, closed a Michigan manufacturing facility in February. As such, experts say the infant formula shortage was a storm waiting to happen. For decades, the U.S. infant formula market has been controlled by just a few major players.

Heavy tariffs and strict labeling regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have made it difficult for other players to enter the market, analysts say. In fact, the onerous process to become a baby-formula manufacturer in the U.S. has resulted in only one new manufacturer successfully registering with FDA in the past 15 years, said Scott Lincicome, director of general economics and trade at the libertarian think tank Cato Institute, at the hearing.

"Today's producer concentration and any resulting problems are primarily the result of federal government policy, not any sort of natural, private-market failure," Lincicome told the hearing.

"I'm really frustrated," said Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, at the hearing. "Four companies have gained control over the formula market through acquisitions. It leads to a lack of innovation and leads to a lack of resiliency and a consolidated market."

Abbott (ABT), Mead Johnson Nutrition (owned by Reckitt ), Perrigo (PRGO), and Nestl USA (NESN.EB) are the four major players in the baby-formula market in the U.S. The Biden administration invoked the Defense Production Act on May 18 to speed up formula production and import formula from abroad for additional supply.

Abbot, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Nestl USA did not respond immediately to a request for comment. A Perrigo spokesman said the company's products constitute about 8% of the total infant formula market. "The Company is doing everything possible to provide as much infant formula to its retail partners during this challenging time," the spokesman told MarketWatch. "During the three months ending March 31, 2022, we shipped 37% more formula vs. the same period last year."

While U.S. businesses and consumers have encountered numerous shortages due to supply chain disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic, infant formula is different from industries such as semiconductors and automobiles: Just 2% of baby formula products are imported into the U.S.

Tariffs on infant formula range can be as high as to 17.5%.

"Supply, diversity, economic openness [and] low trade barriers really does help in terms of having a better, more stable market," Lincicome said.

At the same time, increasing infrastructure support for breastfeeding would help to alleviate the weight of the demand for infant formula, Ginger Carney, director of clinical nutrition at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., told the Senate hearing.

Carney said breast milk is the optimal choice for infant nutrition, but not all mothers are able to support their babies this way. Many mothers set out to breastfeed but have problems doing it, either because of a lack of educational support or other road blocks, such as going back to work.

"Many mothers may start out breastfeeding, and then they breastfeed for a few weeks for as long as they have maternity leave," Carney said. "And I've noticed a huge drop once mothers have to return to work."

Most employers and workplaces don't provide mothers with a private, clean place for mothers to pump their milk, Carney said, and mothers may feel embarrassed or concerned about retaliation if they take breaks during work to pump. Lower-wage mothers can be subjected to discrimination, Carney said.

It's also a logistical challenge; breast milk must be refrigerated and stored in special storage bags or clean, food-grade containers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moms who want to pump at work and transport the milk back to their babies need to have all of this equipment with them, as well as a place to plug in the breast pump and keep the milk cool.

Carney used the example of a new mother working at a fast-food outlet. "What are you going to do if you gotta go take a break and say, 'Oh, watch the window. I've gotta go to pump my milk?' They're just not able to do that. It's just not accepted as the norm," Carney said.

-Zoe Han

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

06-19-22 1340ET

Link:
'4 companies have gained control over the formula market': Lawmakers and women's health advocates debate solutions to baby-formula shortage -...

"I think that the [Libertarian Party's] emphasis should be on getting us back to our roots as a country," says Justin Amash. "What this country is about is liberalism in the classical sense, the idea that people should be freeto make their own decisions about their lives, and government to the extent possible should just stay out of it."

Amash was a Republican congressman from Michigan once described by Politico as the House's "new Ron Paul" because of his willingness to buck party-line votes on principle. He switched his party affiliation to Libertarian in his fifth and final term, making him the party's highest officeholder since its founding in 1971. He explored a run for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination in 2020 before changing his mind, paving the way for a run by longtime Libertarian Party member Jo Jorgensen.

Amash was in Reno, Nevada, during the Mises Caucus takeover of the Libertarian Party. He is not a member of the caucus but plans to remain in the party.

Reason's Nick Gillespiesat down with Amash in Reno to ask him about his views of the Mises Caucus, his vision for the future of the party, and his political ambitions for 2024 and beyond.

Produced by Nick Gillespie and Zach Weissmueller; edited by Adam Czarnecki and Danielle Thompson; camera by James Marsh and Weissmueller; sound editing by John Osterhoudt; additional graphics by Regan Taylor and Isaac Reese.

Read more:
'We Believe in Human Cooperation:' Justin Amash's Vision for the Libertarian Party - Reason

Republicans invited, but decline to attend

On Tuesday, June 28, Tom McDermott (candidate for U.S. Senate), Jeannine Lee Lake (candidate for Indianas Fifth Congressional District), Jocelyn Vare (candidate for Indiana Senate District 31), Victoria Garcia Wilburn (candidate for Indiana House District 32), and the Libertarian Party of Indiana will continue the 2022 Town Hall Series, an effort by the Indiana Democratic Party to hear from all voters about the top issues facing Hoosier families ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.

The nonpartisan town hall will start at 6 p.m. in the Fishers branch of Hamilton East Public Library, 5 Municipal Drive.

Invitations have been extended to representatives of not only the Democratic Party, but also Republican and Libertarian candidates and elected officials, to participate in the town hall. This event is one of many across the state, and its purpose is simple: Lets talk.

Indiana Democrats say they have a plan to address the kitchen-table issues that are important to voters, from inflation and public safety to education and affordable healthcare. Candidates and elected officials will answer as many questions as possible during a 90-minute session, and the hope is that all political parties will join the conversation.

As of press time, Indiana Republicans have declined to attend. For the sake of constituents, Indiana Democrats continue to ask for their participation and hope for their involvement.

This is the third statewide tour where the Indiana Democratic Party has made a stop in Hamilton County since Dayna Colbert began her tenure as Chair for the county party last March, and she says she hopes to see more citizen participation.

Colbert

In Hamilton County, we believe our residents have more common interests than they have political differences, Colbert said. We also feel strongly that transparency and open communication are vital in empowering citizens to become active participants in their own democracy. While it may not be typical, we felt it was imperative for voters to hear from all major political parties, especially during this election season.

Colbert says its important for all parties to engage with voters in an open, civil forum.

Wed like to see Republicans, Democrats, and Libertarians alike come together, ask the hard questions, and better understand the legislative landscape and how it will impact their lives, Colbert said. Ultimately, we hope it forms new constituent relationships that continue long after this town hall concludes. Although the Indiana General Assemblys supermajority has brought about even more redistricting, which has made races harder to win and fractured many constituencies, we want to do what we can to ensure that citizens and the press have access to their elected officials. This is our duty.

Recently, the Indiana Democratic Party has held nearly 100 events in more than 60 counties to share how they say President Joe Biden and leaders like Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have delivered for the Hoosier State.

From creating jobs, expanding broadband, funding Indianas public schools, and revitalizing the states many infrastructure systems, Democrats say they are working to solve the kitchen-table issues that are important to voters despite the opposition and that they have a plan to create a better tomorrow for families. They say this dialogue will be key in bringing balance back to the statehouse.

Visit link:
Democrats, Libertarians to hold town hall in Fishers Hamilton County Reporter - ReadTheReporter.com

Who are on the ballots for the Democrat and Republican primary runoff elections on Tuesday June 21? Where do I vote? When can I vote?

Heres a quick guide to help you find the information you need to answer those questions and links to information about some of the statewide candidates and one congressional runoff (5th District).

Who to cast your ballot for is your call.

When are polls open: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

How do I find out where Im supposed to vote?: Go to this site through the Alabama Secretary of States Office if you are unsure.

Absentee ballots: The deadline to request an absentee ballot has already passed, but if you have one already, June 17 is the last day to return absentee ballots by hand to the Absentee Election Manager in your county. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by the Absentee Election Manager no later than noon on Tuesday, June 21 (runoff day).

Voters eligible to vote pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Absentee Voting Act have until June 21, 2022 to postmark an absentee ballot.

Who and what are on the ballots? Here is a link to runoff ballots around the state.

The vote in the June 21 runoff will determine who will represent each party in the Nov. 8 General Election for scores of local and statewide offices. Those in the runoff did not garner more than 50 percent of the vote in fields of three or more candidates during the May 24 primary.

Go here for AL.coms complete coverage of Election 2022.

Here are the six statewide races with runoffs:

U.S. Senate

The Alabama U.S. Senate race will determine who will replace retiring longtime Sen. Richard Shelby.

Katie Britt, Shelbys former Chief of Staff who also served as CEO of the Business Council, led U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks of Huntsville in a six-candidate race on May 24. She got 44.75% to Brooks 29.15%.

The winner of the Britt and Brooks runoff will represent the Republican Primary in the November General election, facing Democrat Will Boyd, who is a pastor, and the Libertarian candidate, John Sophocleus, a former Auburn University professor.

Governor

In the Democratic Primary for Alabama governor retired educator Yolanda Flowers, of Birmingham, will face state senator and attorney Malika Sanders Fortier of Selma. Flowers got 33.87% of the vote in the May 24 primary and Fortier got 32.52% in a crowded field.

The winner will face Republican incumbent Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who won the May 24 GOP primary race without the need for a runoff against a field of eight opponents, and Libertarian candidate Dr. James Jimmy Blake, a former member of Birmingham City Council.

Secretary of State: Republican candidates State Rep. Wes Allen of Troy, and State Auditor Jim Zeigler will face off in the runoff. Zeigler got 42.69% of the vote in the May 24 primary and Allen got 39.7%. The winner of the Republican Primary faces Democrat Pamela J. Laffitte, and Libertarian candidate Jason Matt Shelby.

The winner will replace Secretary of State John Merrill, who could not run again due to term limits.

State auditor: Jefferson County pastor Stan Cooke and state representative and business owner Andrew Sorrell of Muscle Shoals will face off in the runoff. Sorrell got 39.46% of the vote in the May primary and Cooke 32.79%. The winner of the runoff will face Libertarian candidate Leigh LaChine in the Nov. 8 General election. No Democrats ran for this office.

The winner will replace State Auditor Jim Zeigler, who is term-limited and is running for Secretary of State.

Public Service Commission Place 1: Commissioner Jeremy Oden, who is seeking another term, will face former state and federal prosecutor Brent Woodall in the Republican Primary. Oden got 34.3% of the vote in the May primary and Woodall got 30.9%. The winner will face Libertarian Ron Bishop in the Nov. 8 General Election. No Democrats are running for this seat.

Public Service Commission Place 2: Commissioner Chip Beeker, who is running for another term, will face Robert L. McCollum in the Republican Primary. Beeker got 43.1% of the vote in the May primary while McCollum got 35.84%. The winner will face Libertarian candidate Laura Lane in the Nov. 8 General Election. No Democrats entered the race.

5th Congressional District (for voters in Huntsville/north Alabama)

Madison County Commission Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong will face former Huntsville City Schools Superintendent and former Assistant Army Secretary Casey Wardynski in the June 21 runoff for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mo Brooks, who is running for U.S. Senate.

In the primary last month, Strong won 45% of the vote in a six-candidate field while Wardynski was second with 23%. The winner will face Democrat Kathy Warner-Stanton and Libertarian Phillip PJ Greer in the Nov. 8 General Election.

More here:
Election 2022: Where, when to vote in Alabama primary runoffs, sample ballots, and more - AL.com

As four Republican gubernatorial hopefuls consider their options to try and remain in the race, one election expert has floated an alternative path available to them.

Following the disqualification of former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, businessman Perry Johnson, financial adviser Michael Markey and businesswoman Donna Brandenburg from the Aug. 2 primary ballot, each has sought various legal remedies to restore their candidacies.

To date, none has succeeded, most recently with a federal judge denying Johnsons last-ditch effort. Craig, meanwhile, has announced hes started a write-in campaign.

The four were tossed off of the ballot after the Bureau of Elections (BOE) released a report last month detailing an unprecedented number of fraudulent signatures on their petitions.That ruling was then upheld when the Board of State Canvassers (BSC) deadlocked along party lines.

That leaves five candidates running for the GOP nomination: Ryan Kelley who was arrested last week on charges related to the Jan. 6 insurrection; Garrett Soldano, a chiropractor; businessman Kevin Rinke; right-wing personality Tudor Dixon; and the Rev. Ralph Rebandt. The winner will take on Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Nov. 8.

Steven Liedel is a former counsel for Gov. Jennifer Granholm whos now with the Lansing-based Dykema law firm in Lansing, specializing in election law. Hes noted that Michigan law does provide another path to getting ones name on the ballot that does not require petition signatures.

Liedel, who represented Carol Bray of Haslett in her challenge to 6,000 of Perrys signatures, says candidates could seek a nomination from one of the five minor political parties; U.S. Taxpayers Party of Michigan, Working Class Party, Libertarian Party of Michigan, Green Party of Michigan and the Natural Law Party.

ZERO valid petition signatures required, tweeted Liedel. These parties select their nominees for governor at conventions held by August 2nd and simply notify the Secretary of State of their selections for placement on ballot.

Liedel told the Michigan Advance that since these GOP candidates had issues getting valid petition signatures, mounting a write-in campaign like Craig is doing may not be the most efficient path to the ballot.

What are their options if theyre not on the ballot as one of the candidates for the Republican nominations? said Liedel. A write-in to become the Republican nominee, if you get more write-in votes than one of the folks that appear on the ballot; go get 12,000 valid signatures from voters [by July 21] and appear on the general election ballot as an independent candidate without party affiliation; or much like Gary Johnson did, seek the nomination of one of the other political parties.

Gary Johnson was a former Republican governor of New Mexico who became the Libertarian Party nominee for president of the United States in 2012 and again in 2016.

Theyve all said that theyre interested in being governor and they have ideas that they think should be advanced, said Liedel. And so those are the three paths that they have at this point.

Liedel said that of those three options, seeking a minor party nomination presents the fewest technical obstacles, especially considering that a run for an independent spot on the ballot requires 12,000 valid signatures, just 3,000 less than they needed to get on the ballot as a major-party candidate.

If past performance is an indicator of future results, they might have trouble qualifying with the lower 12,000 signature requirements that are applicable to an independent candidate in terms of securing the nomination of another party, he said.

Messages seeking comment were sent to the Johnson, Craig, Markey and Brandenberg campaigns, but were not returned.

He acknowledged that the candidates themselves may have no interest in affiliating themselves with another party, and that the parties themselves would have to be interested in having one of them as their standard bearer on a ballot in November.

Its not something that they can control on their own, Liedel said. Youd have to have a willing party willing to nominate you, and you have to be willing to be affiliated with that party.

However, he said if those ideological differences could be overcome, their names would be on the ballot for their supporters, while the minor parties would receive wider recognition.

Those minor party candidates are at least interested in continuing their minor party status, which means they have to get a certain percentage of the vote in the race for governor to qualify for the next election cycle, said Liedel. So the parties could have an interest in at least maintaining their minor party status and potentially achieving major party status.

Regardless of whether any of the disqualified candidates have a desire to seek such a nomination, Liedel says it remains an option that contradicts the claims being made in some of the court challenges.

I think that several of them, and Mr. [Perry] Johnson in particular, were arguing in court that there was no alternative for them to seek the office and no other mechanism for folks that wanted to support them, claiming somehow that they were being disenfranchised, said Liedel. And, you know, that definitely was not the case.

More here:
Disqualified GOP gubernatorial candidates have options to get on the ballot Michigan Advance - Michigan Advance