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.”