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Dear Friend,
This week’s newsletter shares details about enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) and what Virginians can expect to pay if Congress does not reauthorize these critical supports for hardworking Virginians; and highlights select community engagements from this past week. Thank you for reading this newsletter and for staying informed.
Enhanced Premium Tax Credits and Why They Matter
On Wednesday, I joined business leaders and healthcare providers for a panel discussion hosted by ChamberRVA about the impacts that the expiring enhanced premium tax credits will impact individuals, businesses, the entire healthcare system, and Virginia’s economy.
Established as a part of the Affordable Care Act, premium tax credits (PTCs) are a form of financial assistance that lowers monthly premiums for Americans making between 100-400% of the federal poverty level. During the COVID pandemic, this program was expanded in the form of enhanced premium tax credits (EPTCs) through the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act, allowing individuals making above 400% of the federal poverty level to qualify also for assistance through the end of 2025.
The EPTCs, provided through the insurance marketplace, have benefitted families and businesses alike, expanding the number of affordable coverage options for individuals and providing small businesses with more cost-effective insurance coverage opportunities for their employees. When businesses are able to provide key benefits such as health insurance, they are better positioned to attract and retain a skilled, qualified, and dedicated workforce. Additionally, healthcare costs go down for everyone: quality health insurance ensures that preventive care and treatment are delivered, fewer patients arrive with threatening conditions in already-overburdened emergency rooms, and children receive essential immunization, early intervention for developmental needs, and dental care.
Regrettably, without Congressional action, the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits are scheduled to expire, and the Republican-led Congress and Donald Trump demonstrate no inclination to reauthorize this essential coverage that impacts millions and that supports small businesses.
As data demonstrates, 93% of Americans enrolled through the marketplace relied on EPTCs to make their healthcare coverage more affordable in 2024 [[link removed]] , including 350,000 Virginians. Without EPTC, costs for eligible enrollees will spike by 25 percent to 100 percent [[link removed]] . In Congressional District 04, which covers much of Chesterfield County and the City of Richmond, a 60 year old couple earning $82,800 a year will likely see their annual premiums increase by $12,196 without EPTCs. This increase represents an additional $1016.33 a month [[link removed]] . Without urgent Congressional action, these steep spikes will effectively put health insurance out of reach for millions of Americans; four million people would likely become uninsured [[link removed]] . The end result? Untreated chronic diseases, increases in preventable disease, profound impacts on emergency departments and our entire healthcare system.
Without reauthorization, families will face challenging decisions about whether they pay for health insurance, or their mortgage/rent and food for their children. Our healthcare system is already facing catastrophic threats from the Trump Administration’s cuts to vital programs that are meant to keep Americans healthy, including Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, rural health funding, and reproductive healthcare services.
Open enrollment for Virginia’s health insurance exchange program begins in 81 days; without federal action, families will feel considerable strain on their wallets. Our federal representatives must act and reauthorize the enhanced premium tax credits to benefit Virginia’s families, our businesses, and our communities.
Select Community Engagements
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On Monday evening, I joined Delegate Mike Jones' Community Town Hall to discuss legislation passed in the 2025 legislative session that has taken effect as of July 1 and to hear direct concerns from constituents. This past session, I passed eight bills, ranging from heat illness protections for student athletes, public health emergency preparedness, the establishment of a pilot program for the largest virtual power plant in the country, and more. Top concerns highlighted during the town hall were the uncertainty over Medicaid coverage and the U.S. economic outlook.
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Pictured: Interview with ABC 13 in Lynchburg
On Wednesday, I was able to share what’s at stake with this November’s election in interviews with WRIC 8 in Richmond, ABC 13 in Lynchburg, and WFXR in Roanoke. Virginians want executive leadership that is ready on Day One to fight against the chaos at the federal-level, prioritize working families, and protect the progress Democrats have made with health care access, environmental protections, and other critical priorities.
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Wednesday concluded with providing the keynote address at the Roanoke Valley Democratic Women’s Annual Event, at which we honored the 60th anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act. At a time when the fabric of our democracy is being unraveled, we must remember the Civil Rights leaders throughout history who have fought tirelessly to ensure that all have a voice and vote within the United States.
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On Friday, I traveled to Portsmouth to join Abigail Spanberger, Jay Jones, and Senator Louise Lucas to unveil our vision to strengthen Virginia schools from early childhood education, K-12, higher education and workforce programs. The ticket’s education plan will empower every student and educator to reach their fullest potential.
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Shortly after, I joined the Portsmouth Fire Station 4 firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Their dedication and service to protecting our communities is nothing short of heroic, and I look forward to continuing to ensure they have the support and resources they need during and after their service.
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Friday concluded with a Portsmouth meet and greet for our Spanberger-Hashmi-Jones ticket hosted by Senator L. Louise Lucas. Democrats are fired up and ready to flip Virginia’s executive offices and hold our Democratic majority in the House of Delegates this November.
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On Saturday and Sunday, I was delighted to travel across Southwest Virginia to hear directly from voters in their places of worship, festivals, community meetings, and campaign events. From Chase City to Martinsville to Galax to Meadowview, Virginians are sharing that they are ready for representation in Richmond that uplifts every community.
Connecting With My Office
My office can be reached at the following:
Email: [email protected] [gmail.com]
Phone: 804.698.7515
If you were forwarded this email, you can sign up to receive my office’s weekly newsletter here [[link removed]] .
— Ghazala
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