News

Governor praises Virginia’s economy, dismissing Democrats’ concerns over Medicaid and job cuts

Governor praises Virginia’s economy, dismissing Democrats’ concerns over Medicaid and job cuts

Gov. Glenn Youngkin Photo: Associated Press/AP Photo/Steve Helber, File


RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Thursday that Virginia’s economy is thriving after ending its fiscal year with high revenues, a characterization Democrats criticized as rose-colored in light of budgetary decisions in neighboring Washington, D.C.

In a presentation to the state’s money committees, Youngkin and Virginia’s secretary of finance said revenues for the fiscal year resulted in a $572 million surplus and a $4.7 billion rainy-day fund. Economic output in the state grew by about 1 percent higher than initially forecast, officials said.

“The strength and success we see today is no accident. It is the result of very intentional decisions made by all of us — intentional decisions to lift up opportunity in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Youngkin said in his speech to lawmakers. “And these decisions are yielding dividends. They’re enabling us to compete and to win.”

Democratic lawmakers were quick to push back, particularly in light of looming Medicaid work requirements for some adults after Congress passed a reconciliation bill last month. Youngkin repeatedly said Medicaid will not be taken away from Virginians, and Secretary of Finance Stephen Cummings added that hospitals will be able to absorb any additional costs from federal cuts to Medicaid.

Senate Democratic Majority Leader Scott Surovell cited an analysis from the Congressional Budget Office this year estimating that roughly 11 million Americans will lose access to Medicaid.

“The governor stood up here and said a million times, repeatedly, that nobody is coming to throw out Medicaid,” Surovell said. He added that the CBO, which “America relies upon to tell us the answers to these things, tells us that millions of Americans are going to lose their Medicaid.”

Democrats also said the governor is not fully acknowledging that the White House’s reshaping of the federal workforce will continue to impact the state’s economy. The job losses that factored into Youngkin’s assessment did not include federal workers who took buyouts and are still receiving payments until later this year, Cummings said.

But Republican House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore praised Youngkin’s presentation, calling it “the kind of news every Virginian should cheer.”

“It happened because Republicans have kept a steady hand on the wheel,” Kilgore said.

Latest Stories

12 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Apple has unveiled its iPhone 17 lineup, including the first iPhone Air. Here’s what’s new

Apple's iPhone 17 lineup is here. The tech giant on Tuesday unveiled four new models that mark the latest editions to its marquee product.

20 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Rick Davies, co-founder and singer of Supertramp, dies at 81

Rick Davies, the co-founder, singer and songwriter of British band Supertramp, has died after a long battle with cancer, the band said Monday. He was 81.

20 hours ago in Entertainment

Charlie Sheen talks his road to sobriety ahead of release of his memoir, ‘The Book of Sheen’

Sheen sat down with actor and writer David Duchovny during an event at 92nd Street Y, New York on Monday to discuss the writing process behind his memoir, "The Book of Sheen," his journey through sobriety and his passion for acting.

2 days ago in Entertainment

What to Stream: Ed Sheeran, ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ Charlie Sheen doc and Borderlands 4

"Only Murders in the Building" returning for its fifth season and Ed Sheeran coming back with the new pop album "Play" are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Lainey Wilson lead Country Music Association Awards noms with 6 each

Joining Lainey Wilson in competing for the night's highest honor — CMA entertainer of the year — will be Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen, last year's winner in the category.