JLARC report again highlights responsible state spending, rising Medicaid growth

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission’s annual report on state spending highlighted the General Assembly’s responsible state spending, and also shows the continued growth of Medicaid in Virginia.

The report, released Tuesday, tracks state spending over the last ten years and is required by law. According to JLARC, general fund spending declined 11 percent over the last ten years when adjusted for population and inflation. Medicaid spending remains the biggest growth driver, up $1.8 billion, or 96 percent, over the last ten years. The full report will be available at JLARC’s website later today.

“Like last year, today’s JLARC report once again shows that the Republican-led General Assembly is charting a responsible fiscal course for the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford). “State general fund spending continues to decline when adjusted for population and inflation as a result of our conservative budgeting. However, Virginia is still grappling with incredible growth in its Medicaid program. Medicaid spending grew 96 percent in the last ten years. This report again demonstrates the wisdom of our decision not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.”

“The General Assembly continues to strike a sharp contrast with the failed leadership in Washington, D.C.,” said House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights). “While the federal government languishes under $19 trillion in debt and is simply unable to balance its budget, we have proven time and time again that we can balance our budget, close shortfalls without raising taxes, and chart a prudent long-term fiscal course. This report validates our long track record of responsible budgeting.”

“My colleagues and I on the House Appropriations Committee consistently seek to be good stewards of taxpayer resources,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk). “Our goal is to make each taxpayer dollar go further. I am proud of our work and thankful for the continued commitment of the members of the committee and its staff to this steady approach.”

“The JLARC report shows that the Commonwealth is on a stable fiscal foundation. We have a long track record of responsible state spending,” said House Appropriations Committee Vice-Chairman R. Steven Landes (R-Augusta). “However, we cannot ignore the truth on Medicaid. Medicaid remains the largest growth driver in our budget. This is exactly why we cannot afford to expand Medicaid. The existing program is simply unsustainable, without the additional burdens of expansion.”