The state Senate and Majority Leader Tommy Norment must act now

Richmond, VA—This afternoon, the Virginia General Assembly will convene in special session to pass a state budget. Progress Virginia today reiterated its call for the budget to include a clean Medicaid expansion without gimmicks or delay tactics. Approximately 400,000 Virginians could access quality, affordable health care if legislators move forward to close the coverage gap. Not only would expanding Medicaid save lives, it would also free up state dollars for significant investments in K-12 and higher education, public safety, and more.

“Four hundred thousand Virginians can’t wait,” said Progress Virginia executive director Anna Scholl. “Conservatives have spent years obstructing health care access for Virginia families. Now, the number of hold-outs are dwindling and it’s long past time for Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment to put aside his petty, partisan games and act in the best interest of our families by expanding Medicaid now. Voters spoke last November when we swept into office a wave of healthcare supporters and we won’t hesitate to do it again at the next opportunity.”

In partnership with New Virginia Majority, SEIU Virginia 512, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, and the Virginia Civic Engagement Table, the Healthy Virginia Now campaign has been barnstorming the state in support of Medicaid expansion. Partners have knocked thousands of doors, delivered hundreds of thousands of digital ad impressions, sent mail to thousands of voters, and released new polling showing Virginia voters stand ready to punish state Senators who stand in the way of affordable health care access.