Richmond, Va. — Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement praising Governor Ralph Northam's budget proposal that expands Medicaid to nearly 400,00 Virginians, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. These savings allow for an enormous investment to bolster Virginia's education system for children across the Commonwealth, increased funding to combat the opioid epidemic, and a record contribution to the state's "rainy day" cash reserve fund.

“If passed during the upcoming special session, the budget proposed today by Governor Northam, the same as Governor McAuliffe's proposal in December, would be a great victory for the Commonwealth. The Northam/McAuliffe budget expands Medicaid to provide healthcare to 400,000 Virginians currently in the coverage gap while continuing the state's significant support for our hospitals. The savings from Medicaid Expansion will be used to improve Virginians' lives by making record investments in education, the fight against opioid addiction, and workforce development. The budget also bolsters Virginia's cash reserves at an unprecedented level, shielding the Commonwealth from the fiscal shenanigans currently going on in Donald Trump's Washington. We look forward to the April 11th special session and encourage lawmakers to work with the Governor to pass this win-win budget.”