Virginia State Capitol, Photo: Anderskev/Wikimedia Commons
Virginia has expanded Medicaid coverage for 400,000 more low-income people after years of efforts as Democrats and Republicans voted to pass the bill in a bipartisan fashion on Wednesday.
Both the Senate and the General Assembly endorsed the measure in Richmond as part of the budget.
Governor Ralph Northam, who practiced medicine previously, hailed as a milestone.
“Today a bipartisan group of leaders in the Virginia Senate voted to make history and make people’s lives better,” the Governor said in a statement following the Senate’s approval.
“The budget the Senate passed today expands health care to Virginians, invests in core economic priorities and strengthens the cash reserves we need for a rainy day. By passing this budget, the Senate made a clear statement that Virginia is a place where leaders still work together to get things done for the people who send us here,” Northam added in the statement issued by his office.
The budget, according to a statement, will invest in schools, workforce training, public safety, and “an economy that works better for every Virginian, no matter who they are or where they live.”
“This budget is the culmination of five years of effort to bring our taxpayer dollars home from Washington and expand Medicaid. As a doctor, I’m so proud of the significant step we’ve taken together to help Virginians get quality, affordable care,” the Governor’s office says.
According to a USA Today report, to figures compiled by the Kaiser Family Foundation, Virginia is the 33rd state to approve Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.
Virginia Democrats credited the successful passage of the measure to party leader’s efforts, calling it a big win for ALL Virginians.
In Alexandria Representative Don Beyer applauded the development.
A great victory for Virginians, every one of whom deserves affordable health care.
Thank you @GovernorVA, @TerryMcAuliffe, FairfaxJustin, Senators, and Delegates who worked hard on this.
Thanks to all whose engagement and activism made this possible.
And thanks @BarackObama. https://t.co/X9Bno84C8P
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) May 31, 2018
“We thank our local leadership, and most especially Dick Saslaw, the Senate Minority Leader (D-VA 35) (whose parliamentary leadership forced his colleagues to act on the budget), Senators Janet Howell (D-VA 32), and George Barker (D-VA 39) for their longstanding fight to bring about this tangible demonstration of humanity and sound public policy,” Fairfax County Democratic Committee said.
“Health care is not a privilege: It is a right. A lot of us here have had a lot of breaks in our lives, but there are many others out there who do not get these breaks. They work hard, but for one reason or another things don’t turn out right for them. These people need our help, and we have done that,” Senator Saslaw said, according to a statement.
