RICHMOND, Va. -- Today Governor Terry McAuliffe gave CBS 6 a glimpse into what was expected to play out during a special session at the State Capitol. Lawmakers were predicted to take up several important issues, including how to fill an $882 million shortfall.
Both Republicans and Democrats were also expected to attempt once more to hammer out Medicaid. It's anticipated the lawmakers were set to debate whether or not to expand the healthcare coverage of uninsured Virginians with federal funds. Hours before they all reassembled, Governor McAuliffe offered a few words on wheat he was hoping would happen during today's gathering. The Governor added it was going to require bipartisan support.
"We can negotiate it to keep everyone happy but I have to have a negotiating partner," Governor McAuliffe said. "I have to have someone I can sit down with and talk to. But I have done everything I can do at this point, it is now up to the folks in there to show America that we are leaders here; we are leaders on healthcare; we lead in Virginia we don't follow."
Because state lawmakers have been divided over how to expand healthcare coverage, it's not likely they'll reach an agreement before the day's end.
