What: Media Conference and Rally to Support Medicaid Expansion

 

When: Monday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m.

 

Where: Albemarle County Office Building (401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902)

Charlottesville, Va.—On Monday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m., Virginia Organizing leaders and other supporters will gather for a media conference and rally at the corner of McIntire Road and Preston Avenue in Charlottesville (near the Albemarle County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902) to support Medicaid expansion as part of the Virginia budget.

 

“The expansion of Medicaid to cover about 400,000 uninsured Virginians is one of the most important things our legislators can do this year,” said Charlottesville Chapter Virginia Organizing leader Dell Erwin. “Medicaid expansion is good for the economy, good for hospitals, good for insurance companies, and most importantly, good for Virginians who need health care but cannot afford it.”

 

“Since January 1, Virginia has lost $5 million a day that we could be receiving in federal funds—our own tax money,” said Erwin. “The state is not the only one losing without expansion. Our hospitals are losing millions of dollars and we are missing out on an estimated 30,000 jobs that would be created with expansion.”

 

“Medicaid expansion will bring jobs and money to Virginia, keep Virginia hospitals open for better access to care, and save lives,” said Sandra A. Cook, Chairperson of Virginia Organizing. “The polls show Virginians support this. Why wouldn’t Virginians support something that is obviously so beneficial? Let’s hope the House of Delegates gets message.”

 

Virginia Organizing recently participated in a petition delivery to Speaker of the House of Delegates Bill Howell with more than 400 small business signatures in support of expansion.

 

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing about this event, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.