FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 30, 2018

Contact: Kevin Saucedo-Broach, 571-336-2147, DelALopez@house.virginia.gov

DELEGATE LOPEZ CELEBRATES PASSAGE OF MEDICAID EXPANSION IN VIRGINIA

 RICHMOND, Va. – Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) today applauded the Virginia General Assembly on its final passage of the state budget, which—after years of efforts by Democratic officials, healthcare advocates, and citizen activists—has finally expanded Medicaid in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 “This is an historic day,” said Lopez. “The General Assembly has finally done the right thing for our Commonwealth and expanded Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of Virginians. We have been fighting to expand Medicaid for years and I’m so proud to have been a part of the team that finally got it done. This achievement will dramatically improve the lives of real people in communities across the Commonwealth, including over 5,600 people in the 49th district.

“Although the final bill has a Medicaid work requirement that I would rather wasn’t included, the overall bill brings health insurance and financial security to Virginia families who need it.

“I thank Governor Northam and House and Senate leadership for their work in negotiating the passage of this budget. I would also like to thank former Governor McAuliffe for his constant advocacy for expansion during his governorship. Above all, I thank the tens of thousands of Virginians who have worked tirelessly over the last several years to advocate and campaign for expanding Medicaid in Virginia. Without their work, this achievement simply would not be possible and it is because of their efforts that we have succeeded in passing Medicaid expansion today.” 

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