Va. governor pressured to reject bill that may subsidize illegal immigrant healthcare
RICHMOND, Va. (TND) — A major portion of likely Virginia GOP primary voters say they would not support Gov. Glenn Youngkin if he signed a controversial bill that could bolster healthcare benefits for illegal migrants.
The bill, SB 119, is now on the governor’s desk after passing both bodies of the state legislature. Language in the bill helps strengthen the 340B program, an initiative that allows hospitals to receive discounted rates for prescription drugs. The federal government then reimburses those hospitals for the cost of the drugs at the normal, non-discounted rate.
While 340B was originally intended to aid facilities that routinely cater to low-income patients, some healthcare providers have begun using the savings to provide care to undocumented migrants. GOP voters in Virginia now say they will hold Gov. Youngkin responsible if a bill like SB 119 is signed into law.
When asked by The Tyson Group if they would vote for Gov. Youngkin as a candidate for higher office, 62% of Virginia GOP primary voters said they would be “less likely” to do so if he approves strengthening the 340B program. Just 18% said they would be “more likely” to support the governor after signing the bill.
Speaking of states that move to reinforce the 340B program, 80% said they “oppose” such initiatives with 74% saying they “strongly oppose.” Just 11% of respondents would support such a move.
While 81% expressed a “favorable” view of Gov. Youngkin, losing this support could prove detrimental for his future political prospects. The Constitution of Virginia prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms, meaning Gov. Younkin needs to hold on to as much voter sentiment as possible if he hopes to land another elected position after his term expires.
A spokesperson for Gov. Youngkin could not confirm whether he will sign the measure, but said its potential to be "exploited" to provide healthcare to illegal immigrants is top-of-mind for the Republican governor.
“The governor will review all legislation that comes to his desk,” a spokesperson said. “He is deeply concerned about the federal 340b program and how it could be exploited to provide taxpayer subsidized healthcare to illegal immigrants.”
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Editor's Note: This article was updated to accurately reflect the source of 340b funds.
