When John Fredericks told Governor McAuliffe he’d recommended
him to Donald Trump as Secretary of Commerce, McAuliffe responded that he’s not
leaving office early for anything. He might rethink that after this legislative
session, but for now he’s focused on jobs, Medicaid expansion, public safety, and
invigorating Virginia's exports.
On a recent visit to Virginia Trump, answering a question from
the press, remarked that he thinks Terry is a great Governor. It seems that John
Fredericks agrees, at least as far as the Governor’s enthusiastic efforts getting
companies to come to Virginia and creating jobs. In fact, with the exception of
Executive Order 50, Fredericks seems to be a fan himself and said as much in an
interview Friday.
On two issues that are related, Medicaid expansion and Certificates
of Public Need (COPN), Fredericks’ and McAuliffe’s positions appeared to
intersect as do the interests of Virginians on both. Unfortunately, Republican
members of the General Assembly have placed politics above the interests of
their constituents. Fredericks summed up the two sides of the COPN repeal argument:
opponents say repeal would weaken the healthcare system; proponents say it
would promote competition. McAuliffe pointed out that he requested the Task
Force that is studying COPN. Medicaid expansion or the lack thereof is an
essential factor in the design.
