A Stronger, Healthier Virginia

Dr. Downey has focused on the costs families feel most directly: health care, child care, education and housing. As a pediatrician, he understands that when families can't afford a doctor, prescription drugs or child care, it affects every part of their household budget.

In the General Assembly he’s voted time and time again for measures to lower the cost of living. In his first legislative session, he sponsored legislation to strengthen Virginia's health-care workforce by increasing access to nursing scholarships. By expanding the nursing workforce, we are laying the groundwork for a more affordable health-care system.

As a pediatrician, Dr. Downey understands that when families can't afford a doctor, prescription drugs or child care, it affects every part of their household budget.

In the General Assembly he’s voted time and time again for measures to lower the cost of living. In his first legislative session, he sponsored legislation to strengthen Virginia's health-care workforce by increasing access to nursing scholarships. By expanding the nursing workforce, we are laying the groundwork for a more affordable health-care system.

As a pediatrician and dad of four York County public school graduates, Dr. Downey sees how much a quality education matters. Small class sizes enable teachers to focus on each student, and higher pay helps to retain talented educators in our local schools.

He works across the aisle to secure adequate funding for schools, improve school safety, and expand career and technical education programs. As your State Senator, he's focused on strengthening our public schools through smaller class sizes and higher teacher salaries.

Improving childhood literacy is a passion of Dr. Downey's. This past session he secured funding for the Reach Out and Read program, which is administered through pediatric practices. At well visits, children receive a free book at their reading level from their Doctor. This improves access to education materials and creates an opportunity for parents and children to bond over reading.