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RICHMOND, Va. — Yesterday, AARP released new polling that revealed a large supermajority of Virginia voters support two Freedom Virginia top-priority issues critical to making Virginia more affordable: legislation aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drugs and ensuring Virginians have access to 12 weeks of Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Virginia voters 18 and older show overwhelming bipartisan support for legislation creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to bring down the cost of medication and establishing a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, according to an AARP Virginia voter survey.
More than half of the survey participants said they regularly take prescription medication. 1 of 4 Virginians who rely on prescription medications choose not to take them simply because they cannot afford them. And costs are only going up; in 2023, pharmaceutical companies raised the prices of over 100 prescriptions at a rate higher than the rate of inflation. The survey of Virginia voters age 18 and older revealed that 84% support the creation of a PDAB – up 9% from when AARP asked the same question in 2023. Support includes 76% of voters identifying as conservatives, 92% of liberals and 86% of moderates. The board would evaluate drug costs and could set limits on how much Virginia payers, including individuals, providers and state agencies, can pay for certain high-cost prescription medications. The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2024 and 2025 creating a PDAB, but it was vetoed both years by Governor Glenn Youngkin.
In addition to affordable health care, Virginians need stability in the workplace. Paid Family and Medical Leave would ensure no one has to choose between a critical paycheck and caring for themselves or their loved ones when experiencing events like a new baby, serious illness or injury. This legislation would provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave with 80% wage replacement and continued access to health care coverage for 3.4 million Virginia workers.
The poll showed that Virginia voters of all political ideologies support legislation requiring employers to provide paid family and medical leave to their employees. A total of 83% of voters support such a requirement, with 71% of conservatives, 92% of liberals and 89% of moderates backing the policy.
Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement regarding the polling:
“Great strides were made during the 2025 General Assembly session toward establishing a Prescription Drug Affordability Board and Paid Family and Medical Leave. Both pieces of groundbreaking legislation were passed by both chambers of the General Assembly, but they were vetoed by the governor. We’re excited to see growing support among voters for these policies. Now more than ever, Virginians need the General Assembly to pass common-sense legislation that will ensure they can keep more of what they earn and get ahead. With strong favorability among voters, we are excited to continue supporting those candidates for statewide and House offices that champion these policies, are looking forward to working with the new governor and House of Delegates to pass these crucial pieces of legislation.”
The full survey report is available at http://www.aarp.org/2025VirginiaVoterSurvey.
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