Del. R. Steven Landes, R-Weyers Cave, Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, expressed disappointment at Governor McAuliffe’s inclusion of language for Medicaid expansion.
Even with the recent JLARC report highlighting a broken Medicaid system, McAuliffe has once again left the door open for fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable Medicaid expansion.
“While I appreciate the Governor’s work to address budget shortfalls, his addition of language authorizing participation in Medicaid expansion in October of 2017 is troubling. Despite JLARC releasing a report less than one week ago, Governor McAuliffe continues to advocate for the fiscally irresponsible goal of Medicaid expansion in the Commonwealth,” said Landes. “I hope the General Assembly will take action to repeal the Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commission and form a new subcommittee comprised of the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance Committee members to examine the impact of what actions the new Administration in Washington may take on healthcare policies and look at additional ways to reform our broken Medicaid system. Medicaid general fund spending has increased nearly 9 percent over the last 10 years, while total general fund spending has increased by just 1.3 percent. Medicaid expansion is not an option that should be left on the table.”
Landes represents the 25th House District, which includes parts of Albemarle, Augusta, and Rockingham Counties. Landes is currently serving his eleventh term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Visit SteveLandes.com for additional information.
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