Welcome to Freedom Virginia’s First Legislative Update of the 2023 Session. Today marks two full weeks of session completed and it’s been a whirlwind! Read on to hear more about how we’ve been advocating for the last two weeks.
Celebrating Senator Rouse!
Right before the first day of session we got to celebrate the election of Senator Aaron Rouse!
(left) Freedom Virginia team knocks doors to get out the vote for Aaron. (right) Senator Rouse is sworn in on the Senate floor.
We were glad to be part of the team who pushed Senator Rouse over the victory line and were honored to be invited to witness his swearing in last week. We are so excited to have another ally of working people on the Senate floor!
Prescription Drug Affordability Board Advocacy
We started off the session with an excellent press conference with Sen. Petersen and Del. Delaney where they rolled out our collaborative legislation to create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) and the lower costs of medicines for millions of Virginians. You can watch that press conference HERE.
The board would have the power to set limits on what consumers can pay for specific drugs. This legislation will boost financial freedom and make healthcare more affordable for hardworking Virginians. If the bill were to become law, Virginia would join seven other states with Republican and Democratic governors that have passed similar legislation, including neighboring Maryland.
Senator Chap Petersen, Senator Creigh Deeds and advocate Jenaya Moore Speak about the importance of establishing a PDAB
Our team gathered with advocates and volunteers to speak to a dozen legislators about the importance of establishing the PDAB! We are grateful to Senator Saslaw, Senator Barker, Senator Mason, Senator Spruill, Senator Marsden, Delegate Scott, Delegate Byron, Delegate Helmer, Delegate Herring, Delegate Head, Delegate Hudson and Delegate Sickles for taking time to speak with our advocates!
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We teamed up with volunteers from AARP to speak with 12 legislators, including House Democratic Leader Don Scott!
We are working tirelessly to take the Prescription Drug Affordability Board legislation through to Governor Youngkin’s desk. It will be heard next in a Senate Finance subcommittee next week! We’ll keep you updated! If you want to advocate, send an email to the finance committee members indicating your support! Click Here to email!
Child care and Early Education Investment Advocacy
We joined the Virginia Promise Partnership to share their child care stories and underscore the importance of investing in early education with state lawmakers! Our team member, Grace, met with Delegate VanVulkenberg and other lawmakers.
Our team member Grace, two other advocates and Delegate VanVulkenberg.
Stay tuned for even more updates in the next four weeks of the legislative session!
