BLACKSBURG — The AARP of Virginia forum for Virginia’s 41st House of Delegates District candidates Wednesday focused, as might be expected, on issues affecting older Virginians, but it also touched on how a new federal law will impact the state and other issues.
Del. Chris Obenshain, R-Montgomery, and Democratic challenger Lily Franklin took a series of questions in a unique format for the evening candidate forum held at the Blacksburg Community Center. Moderator Robert Denton Jr., former director of the school of communications at Virginia Tech, asked a series of questions to each candidate separately with no follow-ups allowed and no debate.
Obenshain started off the evening, based on a coin flip, taking questions in front of a crowed of more than 50 people. Audience members submitted the questions in advance, with the same questions posed by Denton to each candidate.
Multiple questions for the evening touched on care for the elderly. Both candidates agreed that more could be done to benefit those who care for the elderly, such as family members, as well as assure that long-term care facilities provide adequate care for loved ones.
Obenshain said family members who care for loved ones should be able to receive tax deductions for their care to offset some expenses, similar to the deductions of some small businesses that work from home. He said those who take care of a family member are doing a job.
“These caregivers are doing the same type of thing, they are helping a family member thrive and prosper in a setting they are familiar with. So I think our tax structure should reflect that,” Obenshain said.
When Franklin was asked the same question later in the evening, she provided a similar response. She also advocated for a tax credit for caregivers.
“One of the main things you can do is pass a family caregivers tax credit so if you are using expenses out of your pocket you can get a tax credit at the end of the year,” Franklin said.
When it came to concerns with the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” that the Republican-controlled Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed this summer and its impact on health care, the opinion of the two candidates varied.
Denton asked the two candidates how state legislators could help Virginians who lose lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or Medicaid benefits due to the new law. One concern has been whether the bill could remove health care coverage for millions of Americans.
“I want to be really clear. Medicaid is not going anywhere,” Obenshain said.
Obenshain said he wants to assure that people get the benefits that are promised. He added that he also wanted accountability for those people who receive it.
“It is common sense that criminal illegal aliens should not be receiving taxpayer funded Medicaid. It is common sense that people who are able bodied and able to work can do some work, can volunteer, can contribute while they are receiving those benefits,” Obenshain said.
Franklin said it was “absolutely critical” Medicaid and SNAP continue to be funded to care for communities. She said she would like to see that funding restored nationally, but until then, Virginia has a $2.1 billion surplus that could be used to help cover any shortfalls due to cuts from the bill.
“This is going to be a top subject,” Franklin said. “We have to make sure under the next administration they understand that this is a priority because we have already seen health care clinics being shut down.”
Candidates were asked some topics outside of senior care on Wednesday. One question was on Virginia’s current personal property tax on vehicles. Obenshain said he has been against the tax and would support removing it.
“There is no reason why it can’t be done,” Obenshain said. “Twenty-four states in the United States don’t have a car tax. There is no reason why Virginia couldn’t be the 25th.”
Franklin said the car tax is one of the main things that funds local governments. If it were to be repealed, she said plans would have to be put in place to make sure local needs such as public safety and education was not impacted.
Franklin added that Virginia legislators should take a closer look at all taxes.
“How can we make sure that working families are not unfairly treated?” Franklin asked about the possibility of looking into other taxes.
Alison Galway of Blacksburg was one of those in attendance at Wednesday’s candidate forum. She liked hearing from the candidates, but wasn’t fond of the format.
“It was interesting to hear them speak,” Galway said. “I was disappointed I couldn’t ask questions.”
A Democrat, Galway said she planned to vote for Franklin but has appreciated the work that Obenshain has done representing the 41st House District.
The House seat represents residents of Montgomery County and Roanoke County, with nearly three-quarter of its voters in the former. In statewide races, it has leaned Republican since 2021, but just barely. Obenshain won the seat in 2023 over Franklin by just 183 votes out of 24,875 cast. So far this election cycle, Franklin leads Obenshain in campaign funds raised and cash on hand, reflecting Democrats’ hopes of flipping the seat to preserve their narrow House majority.
Jason Dunovant (540) 981-3324
jason.dunovant@roanoke.com
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