Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), Caucus Chairman Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax), Majority Whip Jackson H. Miller (R-Manassas), and House Appropriations Committee Chairman S. Chris Jones (R-Suffolk) issued the following statement Friday on Governor Terry McAuliffe’s proposed budget amendments.
“We appreciate the Governor’s work in crafting his proposed budget amendments. This is the first step in a long process, and we look forward to reviewing his amendments as we begin our work.
“Now is the time for the House Appropriations Committee to begin work on the House budget. We will craft a structurally sound budget that invests in the core functions of government while carefully protecting precious taxpayer resources. We will continue to take a conservative approach to revenue forecasting, spending, and borrowing.
“Despite the Governor’s statement that he did not include language to expand Medicaid, it is simply not true. His amendments to the budget strike the Stanley amendment that prohibits expansion unless specifically authorized by the General Assembly. The Governor adds language that authorizes participation after October 1, 2017 if not otherwise repealed by Congress. The House will continue to hold the line against any form of Medicaid expansion.
“We hope we can continue to build on the bipartisan support we enjoyed during the biennial budget process in 2016. Again, we thank Governor McAuliffe for his proposed budget amendments, and we look forward to working with him this coming General Assembly session.”
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