RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today signed two bills that fund state government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 and all of Fiscal Years 2019 and 2020. The budget Governor Northam signed increases health care access for up to 400,000 Virginians by expanding Medicaid and makes significant investments in core economic priorities like education, workforce training, mental health services, and pay raises for teachers as well as state and state-supported local employees, including law enforcement professionals. Governor Northam signed the two budget bills without amendment or veto.
“Today is a great day for Virginia,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “The budget bills I am signing today will make life better for people in every corner of our great Commonwealth by investing in the fundamentals of a healthy economy like education, workforce development, public safety, and better pay for men and women who devote their lives to serving the public.”
Governor Northam thanked the legislators who voted for a budget that expands Medicaid coverage to nearly 400,000 Virginians who need it, as well as the activists, advocates and Virginia residents who fought for expanded health coverage for many years.
“As a doctor and a public servant, I believe making sure all Virginians have the access to the care they need to be healthy and productive is both a moral and economic imperative. This budget will empower nearly 400,000 Virginians with access to health insurance by expanding Medicaid, without crowding out other general fund spending priorities.”
“We showed Virginians and the world that chaos and partisan warfare may dominate Washington, but here in Richmond we still work together to do the right thing for our people, not our political party. We can get a lot done if we continue to work together in good faith, with our goal always being to do what’s best for Virginia. We still have important work left to do and I look forward to more big accomplishments that will improve the lives of all Virginians.”
The budget legislation signed today:
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