Democratic response to GOP call for Medicaid special session

In response to Republicans’ announcement that the General Assembly will reconvene to debate Medicaid expansion on the week of September 22, Caucus Chair Sen. Donald McEachin (D-Henrico) issued the following statement:

“The only real issue here is getting working Virginians the health care they need and deserve. Closing the coverage gap would save hundreds of lives per year — and hundreds of millions of dollars — but that can’t happen until Republicans come to the table and work constructively. Today, Speaker Howell and Sen. Norment offered ‘a full and fair debate’ in September — but they pre-ordained the outcome, making it clear that they still refuse to budge. Republicans said they were working on a plan back in January; that was six months ago. We’ve had more than enough empty promises already. What we need now is an actual solution — a way for hundreds of thousands of working Virginians to access the care that they deserve.”