Abigail Spanberger on Fighting Medicaid Cuts and Affordable Housing

This story first appeared in Dogwood

Challenges Facing Virginia: Spanberger’s Plan to Navigate Trump Administration Policies

Virginia is facing a series of challenges under the policies of President Donald Trump, which could have significant financial and social impacts on the state’s residents. The administration’s actions, such as potential cuts to Medicaid and threats to public institutions, are creating uncertainty for many in the commonwealth.

Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer and current congresswoman, shared her strategies to counter these issues if elected as governor on November 4. Here are some insights into her plans:

Addressing Health Insurance Threats

Spanberger voiced her concerns over a plan that could cancel health insurance for 350,000 Virginians. She emphasized the importance of preparing for these changes by modernizing Medicaid systems and supporting residents in navigating eligibility challenges. “We will ensure that as few Virginians as we can possibly manage lose their Medicaid,” she stated.

Confronting Rural Hospital Closures

The financial impact of Trump’s health policies poses a significant threat to Virginia’s hospitals, with potential losses amounting to $26 billion. Spanberger highlighted the insufficiency of the proposed $500 million return over five years and criticized the reliance on Virginia’s $4.7 billion rainy day fund as a solution. She stressed the need for state-level advocacy to mitigate the law’s adverse effects.

Improving Housing Affordability

Spanberger identified housing costs as a critical issue across Virginia. She discussed the potential for state-level interventions to streamline regulations and increase affordable housing supply. Preserving existing affordable housing is also a priority in her strategy.

Defending Public Education

Spanberger expressed her opposition to diverting public funds from public schools, a stance contrary to her opponent’s support for school vouchers. She emphasized the role of public education in community and economic strength and criticized policies that threaten its funding.

Managing Rising Energy Costs

With energy costs rising significantly, Spanberger pointed to the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project as a key initiative for providing affordable energy. She pledged to oppose any federal interference that could undermine this project, which is crucial for the state’s energy future.

Protecting Virginia’s Universities

Spanberger criticized the Department of Justice’s actions against Virginia universities, seeing them as attacks on academic freedom and economic contributors. She noted the silence of state leaders in defending these institutions and called for a more active stance against such federal overreach.

Reacting to Federal Force in Cities

Spanberger expressed concern over the use of federal forces in Washington, DC, highlighting the need for local law enforcement to handle policing while federal agencies focus on national security threats. She criticized the performative presence of federal agents in the city, which she sees as a distraction from more pressing security concerns.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Find your voting options here.