Mon., May 12: Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions meeting

The Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions is meeting Monday, May 12, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The meeting takes place in Wytheville and will be livestreamed.

The public is encouraged to submit comments on the topics, specifically “suggestions for tangible actions - budget language or new legislation - that the General Assembly can take to assist affected workers in the short-term and make our economy more resilient in the long-term.” Tip: Send your comments directly to our delegate, Hillary Pugh Kent, via email or US Mail, Honorable Hillary Pugh Kent, POB 406, Richmond, VA 23218. Be sure to mention you live on, own a business on, or own property on the Northern Neck.

Topics and speakers on the agenda (Word) are:

  • Overview of Virginia’s Medicaid Program and Potential Impacts
    • Cheryl Roberts, Agency Director, Department of Medical Assistance Services

  • A National Perspective on Medicaid
    • Jennifer Tolbert, Director, State Health Policy and Data, KFF

  • Implications for Patient Care in Rural Virginia
    • Don Halliwill, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Carilion Clinic

  • Potential Impacts on Economic Development in Rural Virginia
    • Jason El Koubi, President and CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority

  • Role of the Federal Government in Rural Virginia’s Tourism Industry
    • Rita McClenny, President and CEO, Virginia Tourism Corporation
    • Kim Davis, Executive Director, Southwest Virginia Heritage Cultural Foundation
    • Matt Weaver, Associate Director for Policy and Strategic Development, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

  • Potential Impacts on the Agriculture Industry in Rural Virginia
    • Brad Copenhaver, Principal, Meadowview Strategies

  • Implications of Tariffs on Virginia’s Agriculture Industry
    • Dr. Jason Grant, W.G. Wysor Professor of Agriculture, Virginia Tech

  • Implications for Virginia’s Food Banks and Food Security Programs
    • David Dantzler, Director of Corporate Relations, Feeding Southwest Virginia
    • Kathlyn Terry Baker, CEO, Appalachian Sustainable Development

Members of the committee: Delegate David Bulova, Chair; Delegate Joshua Cole; Delegate Robert Bloxom, Vice Chair; Delegate Josh Thomas; Delegate Marcus Simon; Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata; Delegate Vivian Watts; Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent; Delegate Michael Feggans; Delegate Tony Wilt; Delegate Bonita Anthony; and Delegate Ellen Campbell.