By John Celock
Virginia’s governor kept the focus of his annual State of the Commonwealth Address on education and the economy.
Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) used his speech Wednesday evening to highlight his economic record, along with promoting what he said is needed education reforms to build the state economy. McAuliffe also unveiled new ethics and environmental proposals, and pushed Republican legislators to adopt the Medicaid expansion in the state.
“I believe education is a prime example of the opportunity this session to work together, he said.
McAuliffe called on legislators to pass legislation to create what he says will be a more hands on high school curriculum, including more internships. He said the new curriculum will help rural students prepare for the workforce.
In addition, McAuliffe said that he wants to continue to increase school services for the children of military families. He also touted new programs to increase food for students, saying he wants to build on it. McAuliffe said he plans to invest more in education and higher education.
“A strong K-12 system where every student has access to the best possible education is essential to the new Virginia economy,” he said.
McAuliffe called on Republican legislative leaders to work with him on the Medicaid expansion. He said that the decision not to accept the expansion under the Affordable Care Act is costing the state millions in federal funds daily.
McAuliffe said he plans to work with the Legislature to craft a Virginia solution to the Medicaid expansion. His tone is similar to several Republican governors who have adopted the Medicaid expansions in their states, citing a need for an expansion tailored to their states. These include Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R).
McAuliffe outlined a series of ethics reforms that he would like to see adopted during 2016. These include no legislative fundraising during veto and special sessions, no fundraising by the governor during the bill review period and no personal use campaign funds. McAuliffe touted a bill passed last year setting new gift limits. The ethics reform push came after former Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) and his wife were both convicted on corruption charges.
McAuliffe’s speech also focused on his signature theme of the economy, including what he said is a growth in international trade of Virginia products. He said that he has opened up India to Virginia apples and has negotiated deals to ship Virginia poultry to Kuwait and Oman.
McAuliffe also told lawmakers that he plans to veto any legislation that will limit marriage equality and abortion.
McAuliffe briefly focused on veterans’ issues, including expanding access to veterans’ health care and reducing homeless veterans. He said that the state needed to work on veterans’ issues because he felt the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs had dropped the ball.
“The VA is not doing their job for the veterans,” he said. If the federal government is not doing then we will do it in Virginia.”