Petersburg, Va.—Virginia Organizing Chairperson Sandra A. Cook released the following statement after the General Assembly passed a budget that actively denies Medicaid expansion to 400,000 Virginians:

 

“Virginia Organizing is appalled at the level of political gamesmanship and cruelty of the General Assembly’s budget. The budget passed by both the Virginia House of Delegates and Virginia Senate not only denies health care to 400,000 Virginians by refusing to expand Medicaid, but also includes provisions to make it even more difficult to expand the program. This is a shame and a disgrace.

 

“In addition to covering about 400,000 people, Medicaid expansion would add about 30,000 new jobs to the economy, bring Virginians’ tax dollars back to the Commonwealth, and protect our hospitals from significant losses.

 

“Last night, Virginians across the state gathered for vigils to support Medicaid expansion, but our legislators failed to listen. Virginia Organizing will continue to call on our elected officials to act in the best interests of all Virginians.”

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