GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, § 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I am vetoing Senate Bill 433.

SB 433 would implement the children's health care program through the largest expansion of Medicaid in Virginia history. Providing health care coverage for children in low-income families is a goal upon which everyone can agree. This bill, however, uses taxpayer dollars to expand welfare payments to families earning as much as $45,000 a year. Encouraging independent middle-class families to seek welfare assistance, and encouraging continued dependence by those already on welfare, is simply unacceptable.

Virginia has taken great strides in reforming the welfare system. We must continue this reform rather than backslide into dependency on government.

Recognizing that hardworking taxpayers no longer support the expansion of welfare, the federal government has afforded Virginia a rare opportunity to implement a children's health care program without expanding Medicaid entitlements. On more than one occasion, I have provided the legislature the opportunity to enact such a plan. Unlike SB 433, which expands Medicaid, my plan would provide private insurance for children in families earning up to $32,000 for a four-person family. Unlike welfare, families will share in the cost of this coverage according to their ability to pay. Unfortunately, the legislature has chosen not to take advantage of this opportunity, and instead, to expand Medicaid. Because of the legislature's action, the Commonwealth may not be eligible for federal funding that could greatly benefit uninsured children.

Although I am vetoing SB 433, I will provide the legislature one last opportunity to enact legislation that ensures medical coverage for children of low-income families without expanding welfare entitlements into the middle class. I will offer my plan in place of HB 1074, which is identical to SB 433. The children of Virginia's poor should have health care coverage. My plan is the best vehicle to provide such coverage.

As the Governor to lead Virginia into the 21st century, I am obligated to make policies that are mindful of the future. Our future is with our children. Accordingly, I will veto any legislation that threatens the future ability of our children to live an independent and prosperous life.