Edwards: proposed block grants to replace Obamacare is “terrible idea” Gene Marrano September 18, 2017 1 min read State Sen. John Edwards Some Republican members of Congress are floating another health care reform idea: block grants to states. But Roanoke’s State Senator calls “a terrible idea”, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports. Share: Post navigation Previous: Ed Gillespie live on WFIR: proposal for I-81, reactions to GOP attacks on lobbyist backgroundNext: Roanoke’s new city manager: any downtown parking problems are, in ways, a healthy sign Related Stories 1 min read Two plays open this weekend; RSO with Beethoven at Jeff Center, artist receptions and the Blue Ridge Potter’s Guild show and sale Gene Marrano November 5, 2025 1 min read Narrow 2023 loss turns into victory for Lily Franklin in Virginia’s 41st District Web Staff November 5, 2025 1 min read McNamara will return to Richmond; says he can work with Democrats Gene Marrano November 5, 2025