Dear John,
I am busy developing my legislative agenda for the 2026 session. My focus continues to be on protecting the safety net for our vulnerable children and families, increasing funding for public K-12 education, and instituting policies that make healthcare more affordable and accessible. Fortunately, I will have an opportunity to influence the direction of these important priorities through my Chairmanship of the Senate Education and Health Committee. Later in this document, you will see a link to participate in a survey so you can share your priorities with me.
The affordability goal will require a Herculean effort to achieve, given the Trump cuts in HR1. With the Republican-advanced congressional actions, an estimated 650,000 hard-working Virginians, many with children, will be at risk of losing Medicaid support because of the federal cuts to the Medicaid expansion program. Additionally, at least 100,000 Virginians will be denied healthcare coverage because the congressional Republicans will not extend the affordability benefit associated with the federal tax credits. The expected cost of keeping Virginians insured and Medicaid providers adequately reimbursed, with only state dollars, is about $3 billion over three years.
Despite the looming impacts of HR1, Democrats in the General Assembly are committed to advancing policies that will retain a safety net in key areas and make affordability a priority for all Virginians. Examples of bills or budget amendments I am sponsoring in these areas are noted below. A more detailed description of my legislation will be provided closer to the legislative session.
Highlights of my legislative agenda include:
- Ensuring that parental care and baby wellness visits are universally covered,
- Directing the Board of Insurance (BOI) to develop policies that will require insurers to cover vaccines supported by the FDA, but that are not necessarily on the CDC vaccine list,
- Making medications easier to access in substance use treatment centers,
- Increasing funding for mobile health clinics in underserved areas,
- Replacing the federal cuts to Planned Parenthood clinics, and
- Making up for lost federal dollars in key Medicaid areas.
I am also submitting legislation to implement necessary reforms in the juvenile justice system, fully fund SOQs in our K-12 education system, and increase access to mental health services using school-based partnerships. Encouraging the development of more affordable housing and protecting the rights of tenants are also on my priority list.
I’d love to hear from you on your priorities for the 2026 legislative session. Please complete this survey to share your thoughts.
At a moment when federal actions threaten the livelihood of so many Virginians, we must remain committed to advancing policies that ensure every individual has access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities, and pathways for success. I will work tirelessly to ensure that important investments are made for the well-being of our children and the future of our Commonwealth.
I hope you’ll visit my website at BarbaraFavola.org and subscribe to my regular newsletters. I also have a dynamic social media presence through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Blue Sky. I hope you’ll follow my work using one or more of those platforms. You may also track legislation through Virginia’s Legislative Information System. The Commonwealth’s General Assembly Website is a useful tool as well. You can follow events, find pertinent information, observe sessions, and monitor committee meetings through the site.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent you in Richmond.
