VIRGINIA – Last week was turbulent for Winsome Earle-Sears. Sears is once again under fire for failing to disclose trips and therefore potentially violating Virginia law. As her secret flight scandal took off, new reporting exposed that she’s been lying to Virginians by claiming she can use Virginia’s “rainy day” reserve to cover the Medicaid cuts in the Trump tax bill she backed even though the math doesn't add up.

SETTLING THIS WEEK’S SCORE 

Winsome’s Wins:

• Front Page News: The front page of the Daily Progress highlighted local leaders slamming Winsome Earle-Sears for her extreme record attacking public education and wanting to defund public schools. The Daily Progress reported that Delegate Katrina Callsen called out Sears saying: “We should be investing in education, making it easier for students to succeed, not harder.” 
• Aviation Week: Sears celebrated Virginia Aviation Week as she refused to answer for her potential ethics violation in the week since her secret flight scandal took off. 
• Sears Cleared for Departure: The Spanberger for Governor campaign released a new ad, criticizing Winsome Earle-Sears for failing to disclose at least two free private plane flights funded by a top campaign donor, potentially violating Virginia ethics rules and adding to a growing track record of hiding from Virginia voters.

Winsome’s Losses:

• Sears Slammed on Medicaid Cuts: Virginia Democrats also released a new ad slamming Winsome Earle-Sears for cheering on Donald Trump’s tax bill that will take healthcare away from 350,000 Virginians, force rural hospitals to close, and raise healthcare costs across the Commonwealth.
• Medicaid Miscalculation: Cville Right Now reports how it’s mathematically impossible for Sears to use Virginia’s “rainy day” reserve to cover the Medicaid cuts in the Trump tax bill she backed. In response to Sears’ lie, State Senator Creigh Deeds, member of the state Senate Finance Committee, said: “Well, No. 1, it’s not going to be enough money.”  
• Real Issues, Real Consequences: In a new segment, Public News Service details the devastating impact that Donald Trump’s attacks on federal jobs have had on Virginia families. While Winsome Earle-Sears has backed the attacks and said they aren’t “real issues,” Virginia Veteran and fired federal worker Colleen Jones shares the very real and devastating consequences for her family. 

As Sears fails to disclose private flights, pushes lies about using the rainy day fund to cover Medicaid cuts, and backs Trump’s attacks on Virginia jobs, this week is more proof that Virginians can’t trust Sears and with her, it’s Virginians who stand to lose the most.

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