See below for a statement from Freedom Virginia on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to the bipartisan Affordable Medicine Act, which “[passsed] the Senate by a 36-4 vote and the House by a 95-4 vote.” In short, Freedom Virginia says that “With these amendments, the governor has unfortunately gutted this landmark legislation of its integrity and effectiveness.” Not cool.
Freedom Virginia Statement on Governor’s Amendments to the Bipartisan Affordable Medicine Act
RICHMOND, Va. — Last night, the governor sent the bipartisan Affordable Medicine Act, SB271, patroned by Senator Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville) and HB483, patroned by Delegate Karrie Delaney (D-Fairfax), back to the General Assembly with amendments, which would, in effect, prevent Virginians from seeing immediate relief from high drug costs. Notably among the amendments is the addition of a reenactment clause and the removal of the Maximum Fair Price language that would guarantee Virginians see savings on prescription medicine. Across the nation, Medicare recipients have seen $1.5 billion in savings from the first ten Maximum Fair Prices that took effect on January 1, 2026. The reenactment clause would require the General Assembly to pass the legislation again in the 2027 session, delaying, if not entirely stopping, the bill from ever going into effect.
The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the General Assembly this year, with the bill passing the Senate by a 36-4 vote and the House by a 95-4 vote. According to a 2025 AARP poll, 84% of Virginia voters also support the legislation, with across-the-board support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.
The legislation has been regarded as an innovative approach, with Pluribus News calling it a “first-in-the-nation” policy that has been praised by health care policy experts, saying it “could be one of the strongest tools available to states, potentially bringing transparency to a complex pricing system and giving regulators leverage over drug costs that often do not respond to traditional market forces.”
Freedom Virginia Co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement:
“With these amendments, the governor has unfortunately gutted this landmark legislation of its integrity and effectiveness. Throughout the bill’s history, one thing has remained a top priority: lowering the cost of medicine so Virginians can feel relief, and most importantly, afford their lifesaving prescriptions. It is also the driving force behind the nearly unanimous bipartisan support that sent the legislation to the governor’s desk this year.
“The Affordable Medicine Act, as it left the General Assembly, was the result of great compromise and dedication from legislators and stakeholders to create a foolproof policy that would increase transparency, hold bad actors accountable, and deliver guaranteed cost savings to Virginians struggling to afford life-saving and sustaining medication. The amendments sent down by the governor would nullify that work.
“The amended version of the legislation is not and was never an option we considered to be effective or meaningful for Virginians. We will continue to back the Affordable Medicine Act that passed the General Assembly, and we hope that legislators will keep their commitment to Virginians and uphold their version of the Act to lower the cost of medicine.”
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Freedom Virginia is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization committed to building a Commonwealth where all Virginia families have the freedom to thrive. Freedom Virginia advances economic security policies through grassroots activism, voter engagement and legislative advocacy. Our efforts began in 2020 and since then we’ve pushed for a more economically secure Virginia by sharing real stories about Virginians’ lack of access to affordable healthcare, education, energy, and the need for policies that foster more safety for families. Visit our website at freedomva.org to learn more.
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Also see:
Freedom Virginia Celebrates Progress as Paid Family and Medical Leave Heads Back to General Assembly
RICHMOND, Va. — Last night, Governor Spanberger sent Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation, SB2, patroned by Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), and HB1207, patroned by Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Woodbridge), back to the General Assembly with several, largely technical, amendments.
The bills will expand access to Paid Family and Medical Leave for the 3.4 million Virginia workers without access to paid leave, and will ensure that all Virginians are able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave each year when experiencing events like caring for a new baby or recovering from a serious illness or injury. Virginians will receive 80% wage replacement and protection of their health care coverage. On average, a typical Virginia worker taking four weeks of unpaid leave will lose $3,700 in income.
Freedom Virginia Co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks released the following statement:
“For too long, Virginians have had to make the impossible choice between caring for themselves or loved ones and a paycheck, but this legislation will finally guarantee 12 weeks of paid leave for over 3 million Virginians. The historic implementation of Paid Family and Medical Leave will empower hardworking people to make decisions that best support themselves and their families. We’re thankful to the patrons, Senator Boysko and Delegate Sewell, for their many years of leadership and commitment to delivering Paid Family and Medical Leave to hardworking people. We look forward to the General Assembly’s actions on the 22nd and to continue leading efforts to support the implementation of this critical program.”
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Freedom Virginia is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization committed to building a Commonwealth where all Virginia families have the freedom to thrive. Freedom Virginia advances economic security policies through grassroots activism, voter engagement and legislative advocacy. Our efforts began in 2020 and since then we’ve pushed for a more economically secure Virginia by sharing real stories about Virginians’ lack of access to affordable healthcare, education, energy, and the need for policies that foster more safety for families. Visit our website at freedomva.org to learn more.
