Gov. Ralph Northam introduced a new state budget proposal Wednesday that includes Medicaid expansion and proposes a slightly different approach to spending that could shape the debate when lawmakers return for an April 11 special session.
At a news conference in Richmond, Northam said his budget — built around “clean” Medicaid expansion — was virtually identical to the one former Gov. Terry McAuliffe proposed in December, with one important change. The governor said he’ll add an amendment dictating that any revenues the state takes in beyond its budget forecast will be stored away in reserves, not spent.
“Our revenues have seen an uptick,” Northam said. “But it’s important that we not spend that additional money.”
