“While this budget still does not go far enough for working Virginians, and does not adequately fund education or embrace Medicaid expansion, it is the best budget we can do this legislative session,” said Democratic Leader David Toscano (D-57).“As Appropriations Chair Jones said on the floor today, this is a process, and we will keep fighting for our Democratic values as we work to build a new Virginia economy that creates opportunities for all Virginians.”
“We are pleased that the core priorities Governor McAuliffe laid out at the beginning of session were honored by the 2015 budget. While it does include items we can be proud of such as raises for teachers, no cuts to K-12 schools, and increases to funding to some of our social safety net programs, we are disappointed it still fails to completely close the coverage gap for 400,000 uninsured Virginians,” said Caucus Chair Charniele Herring (D-46). “We are encouraged by the progress our two Caucuses made working together this session, and look forward to building on this progress to continue moving Virginia forward.”