Governor Northam Signs Budget Bills, Statement from Kirk Cox
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) issued the following statement Thursday after Governor Ralph Northam signed House Bills 5001 and 5002, the 2018-2020 state budget bills.
“I am glad to see Governor Northam signed the budget bills as passed by the House and Senate without amendments. When we started the budget discussions, I said reforms to the current Medicaid system were vital to any potential agreement. Back in February, I laid out six principles for reform, including strong work requirements and a taxpayer safety switch. I am pleased those were included in the final budget bill.
“Most importantly, we are already seeing the positive effects of the budget. Just yesterday, Moody’s reaffirmed our AAA bond rating and stable financial outlook. Moody’s also praised our healthcare plan, saying it will leave Virginia ‘less exposed to potential future cutbacks in federal Medicaid spending’ than most other states.
“I appreciate the hard work that was put into crafting this budget. As we look forward to the 2019 General Assembly Session I look forward to finding ways that we can work across the aisle to pass bipartisan legislation that will better the lives of the people we serve.”
Background:
–Northam signs Medicaid expansion into law on steps of Virginia capitol
–Northam signs budget with Medicaid expansion, capping five-year battle