Democrats take aim at Republicans on budget squabble

Virginia Democrats are pointing fingers at their Republican counterparts in the Virginia General Assembly over the ongoing state budget stalemate.

“House Republicans continue to prove that they would rather shut down the government than close the coverage gap,” said DPVA Spokesperson Ashley Bauman as the stalemate continued with the start of this week’s special General Assembly session. “Instead of working across the aisle to pass a budget that closes the gap, Speaker Howell, Kirk Cox and Chris Jones are content to twiddle their thumbs while 400,000 Virginians go without health care that is critical to a healthy and productive life.

“House Republicans would rather throw away $5 million a day than compromise on a budget that works for all Virginians. It’s time for House Republicans to drop this Tea Party tirade and pass a budget that closes the coverage gap.”

The key holdup: healthcare expansion. House Republicans have balked at anything substantive to expand the state’s Medicaid rolls, even as Gov. Terry McAuliffe and a bipartisan group in the State Senate have come to terms on a plan to expand the system.