Governor Spanberger proposed an amendment to Virginia's 2026-2028 budget to increase salaries for home care workers earlier than the originally enrolled budget's 2028 implementation date. Home care workers, who assist elderly and disabled Virginians, are among the lowest-paid workers in the state. This issue intersects with both healthcare access and workforce affordability.
Should Virginia accelerate salary increases for home care workers ahead of the 2028 schedule?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
I am proposing an amendment to increase salaries for home care workers earlier than the enrolled budget's 2028 date.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Immediately raise home care worker wages to living wage levels and provide full benefits.
Accelerate the wage increase for home care workers ahead of the 2028 timeline as the Governor proposed.
Keep the 2028 wage increase timeline but ensure no further delays to the implementation.
Phase in wage increases more slowly and tie them to Medicaid reimbursement rate adjustments.
Let the market set home care wages; state wage mandates for care workers increase costs for recipients.
Cancer screenings for firefighters
Governor Spanberger proposed a budget amendment to provide cancer screenings for Virginia's firefighters, recognizing the elevated cancer risk firefighters face from occupational exposure to toxins and carcinogens. This is part of a broader effort to address long-term occupational health needs for first responders.
Should Virginia fund cancer screenings for firefighters through the state budget?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.
I am proposing an amendment to provide lifesaving cancer screenings for Virginia's firefighters.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
Fund comprehensive cancer screenings and create a dedicated state health fund for all first responders.
Support the Governor's amendment to fund cancer screenings for Virginia firefighters.
Provide cancer screenings for firefighters but fund it through existing health program budgets.
Encourage local fire departments and employers to fund screenings rather than using state budget dollars.
Oppose dedicated state funds for this purpose; firefighter health benefits should be a local responsibility.
Home care worker pay
In returning the budget with amendments, the governor proposed increasing salaries for home care workers earlier than the enrolled budget’s 2028 date, tying the issue to healthcare workforce needs and cost-of-living pressures for caregivers and the families they serve.
Should Virginia accelerate pay increases for home care workers?
Tap a point along the line below to show where you stand.