2008 Legislative Session
Access to Healthcare
There are approximately 1 million uninsured people in the Commonwealth. Over 70% of the uninsured in the Commonwealth either work or live in a household with a working individual. The uninsured often have limited access to care. The Governor and the Secretary believe that all Virginians should have access to quality care. A number of access proposals have been created to begin addressing the needs of the Commonwealth’s safety net and the uninsured.
Mental Health
The Virginia Tech tragedy demonstrated that the Commonwealth’s mental health system is under funded. Mental health is as critical as general health. Approximately one in four Virginians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Numerous commissions have developed proposals to improve the Commonwealth’s mental health system. The Governor and the Secretary used these recommendations to craft proposals to improve our mental health infrastructure.
Children’s Services
Foster care children in Virginia are less likely to be adopted or be reunited with their families than foster children in any other state. Finding permanent homes for children and ensuring that our localities and the Commonwealth provide care for children in their own communities is essential. In partnership with the First Lady’s For Keeps initiative, The Governor and Secretary have proposed changes to improve our foster care system and make sure the Comprehensive Services Act (CSA) program remains fiscally viable.