Medicaid issue stalls Senate roads reform vote

Associated Press

BOB LEWIS, Associated Press, LARRY O'DELL, Associated Press

Updated: Feb 22, 2013 5:57 PM

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Senate has abruptly adjourned, delaying revisions to the state budget and a decisive vote on a major transportation reform bill the House already passed until Saturday, the final day of the 2013 General Assembly.

Senators had languished in recess most of Friday afternoon awaiting written assurances from Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell not to block Medicaid expansion.

The Senate's 20 Democrats had demanded the guarantee in exchange for their support required to pass the transportation bill in the 40-seat Senate.

The $880 million-a-year transportation bill is the centerpiece of McDonnell's policy agenda and his last, best chance at a legacy. It needs support from the Senate's 20 Democrats to assure passage.

Medicaid expansion was also the remaining obstacle to a compromise on the budget.

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