The Virginian-Pilot reports that Democratic State Senator Ralph Northam toyed with a power-sharing agreement with Republicans yesterday. The deal would have appointed Republican co-chairmen on the Finance and Courts of Justice committees.
Before it was over, Democratic senators held at least two closed-door meetings in which shouting erupted at one and Northam was called to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s office for a talk.
The issue that Northam, a physician, said caused him to consider supporting the GOP effort was the proposed Medicaid budget cuts that would strongly affect Eastern Virginia Medical School and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. He also was concerned about budget cuts to Old Dominion University.
‘We had a disagreement today,’ Northam said late Tuesday. ‘We talked through it and we resolved the issue.’
Good for you, Dr. Northam. Governor Kaine’s proposed Medicaid cuts will be disastrous for Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens: the elderly, the disabled, the ill, the poor. They will cause layoffs and cutbacks in services at local hospitals. They will not save money, unless the Governor finds a way to “freeze” the effects of old age, ill health, accidents, and other catastrophic events. It is refreshing to see a General Assembly member represent the interests of his constituents, regardless of party affilitation. Perhaps Governor Tim Kaine, a reputed Democrat, should have been called to Dr. Northam’s office for a little talk.
Filed under: Democrats, Local, Medicaid, Ralph Northam, Tim Kaine | Tagged: Democrats, Hampton Roads, Medicaid, Ralph Northam, Tim Kaine
