Virginia House of Delegates
- Virginia Study Documents Groundwater Levels Below Sea Level and Reversed Flow Patterns in Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that groundwater levels have dropped below sea level across large inland areas of the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Decades of heavy pumping, especially from paper mills near Franklin and West Point, have reversed the natural predevelopment flow patterns in the aquifer system. […]
- Virginia Study Projects Declining Groundwater Availability Within Five to Ten Years Under Current Trajectories
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that stabilized gains in groundwater levels across the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 are already stalling. Models project renewed declines in availability within five to ten years in key areas if current withdrawal patterns continue without policy changes. The analysis forms part of […]
- Virginia Coastal Plain Groundwater Study Finds Limited Capacity for New Withdrawals East of I-95
A detailed report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, released in 2026 as Senate Document No. 6, concludes that the groundwater supply in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95 has limited capacity for significant new withdrawals. Modeling of the Virginia Coastal Plain aquifer system indicates that most evaluated locations can support only small […]
- Virginia Coastal Plain Experiences Measurable Land Subsidence from Aquifer Compaction Linked to Long-Term Groundwater Withdrawals
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that aquifer compaction caused by long-term groundwater withdrawals is producing measurable land subsidence in parts of the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. When sustained pumping reduces water pressure within the aquifer sediments, the pore spaces collapse under the weight of overlying material, resulting […]
- Industrial Facilities Dominate Permitted Groundwater Withdrawals in Virginia’s Coastal Plain
A 2026 report from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality finds that industrial facilities, including paper mills, specialty chemical plants, and poultry operations, account for the largest share of permitted groundwater withdrawals in the Coastal Plain east of Interstate 95. Five of the top users alone exert sufficient influence to shape regional water levels across […]
- Virginia legislator Louise Lucas was allowed to use campaign funds for her defense. So she did.
State Sen. Louise Lucas, the powerful Portsmouth Democrat, used $300,000 in campaign funds to contribute to her legal defense fund and hire a law firm following an FBI raid in May on her businesses in Portsmouth. That’s a sizable amount. What The Virginian-Pilot article should have noted higher in the story was that Lucas was […]
- Virginia senators request special session to act on ’deeply alarming’ groundwater report
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality released its 117-page legislative report on the state’s groundwater supply east of Interstate 95 this week, which revealed significant levels of strain on the eastern aquifers that could put clean drinking water at risk. “Groundwater supply east of I-95 is constrained, and current projections indicate declining availability in the […]
- Mother Testifies on Nitrous Oxide Dangers Before Virginia State Senate
A mother provided testimony during a Virginia State Senate session focusing on the health concerns associated with nitrous oxide products sold at local vape and smoke shops. The presentation described the substance as a legal item with documented effects on the legs and lungs. Medical experts referenced in the remarks explained the process by which […]
- Virginia Delegates Hear Explanation of Marijuana Classification Criteria
A presentation in the Virginia House of Delegates addressed the classification of Marijuana under federal drug schedules. The testimony explained the criteria that separate substances with accepted medical uses from those without such recognition. This analysis centered on the distinction between cannabis and drugs such as LSD. The core point involved the requirement that Schedule […]
- Virginia Advances Data Center Projects Amid Concerns Over Energy and Water
Virginia continues to move forward with plans for extensive data center facilities. Projections indicate these centers could double the state’s electricity demand. Water resources may also face additional pressures from the operations. Electric bills for residents are anticipated to rise under current trajectories. No detailed plan has been presented to manage the full scope of […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Establishing At-Risk Program for Public Schools
The Virginia General Assembly is considering important changes to the way public schools receive state funding for supporting students with additional needs. Legislation known as House Bill 92 would establish a dedicated At-Risk Program as part of the Standards of Quality that govern educational services across the commonwealth. This program is designed to provide resources […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $17.6 Million Bill for Rapid Rehousing Following Federal Cuts
The state of Virginia is preparing to shoulder a massive financial burden as federal funding for housing programs dries up, forcing local taxpayers to foot the bill. Lawmakers are currently pushing a massive $17.6 million allocation for rapid rehousing efforts in the upcoming biennial budget to cover the sudden gaps left by Washington. Fiscal conservatives […]
- Virginia’s New Data Center Tax: A Billion-Dollar Excuse for Government Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have officially adopted a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers, sparking concerns among fiscal conservatives about government overreach and unchecked spending. The new levy imposes a $0.011 per kilowatt-hour charge on all electricity consumed by these facilities, which is projected to generate up to $600 million annually for state coffers. While […]
- Virginia Land Conservation Foundation Pushes Record $17.21 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
The Virginia Land Conservation Foundation recently announced a record allocation of $17.21 million for its Fiscal Year 2027 grant round. This unprecedented level of funding represents a massive expansion of a state program designed to purchase development rights and place permanent conservation easements on private property. Fiscal conservatives across the state are raising alarms about […]
- Virginia Bill to Review Temperature Mandates in Multi-Family Housing Failed
The Virginia General Assembly considered legislation in 2026 that would have initiated a review of temperature standards for multi-family residential buildings across the commonwealth. House Bill 119, introduced early in the session, aimed to direct the Board of Housing and Community Development to assemble a stakeholder advisory group focused on potential updates to the Uniform […]
- Virginia’s $5 Million IT Expansion: A Costly Burden on Taxpayers
The newly proposed fiscal year 2027 state budget introduces a massive financial commitment by allocating $5 million in start-up costs for a brand new government technology team. This initiative, known as the Virginia Digital Service, aims to address systemic technical challenges across various state agencies. However, this substantial funding request raises immediate concerns among fiscal […]
- Hospitals predict $31B reduction in state’s Medicaid funding if proposed CMS rule passes
A proposed federal rule stemming from the reconciliation bill Congress passed last summer includes additional policy changes that would reduce Medicaid payments to healthcare facilities, a step hospital chains warn exceeds the provision Congress approved and President Donald Trump signed. Public comment closed this week on a rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare and […]
- Virginia Enacts Law Allowing Electronic Submissions for Concealed Handgun Permits
Virginia has taken a step to update its concealed handgun permitting process with the enactment of House Bill 101. Sponsored by Delegate Jason Ballard of the 42nd District, the bill modifies section 18.2-308.02 of the Code of Virginia to allow alternate methods for submitting applications for permits to carry concealed handguns. The law was approved […]
- Virginia’s $305.4 Million Surplus Demands Immediate Tax Relief and Spending Cuts
As the Commonwealth of Virginia prepares for the upcoming fiscal years, the latest budget proposal reveals a massive unexpended general fund balance of $305.4 million projected at the close of the FY2027-2028 biennium. This substantial surplus highlights the persistent reality that state government continues to collect far more taxpayer money than it actually needs to […]
- After taking off in Charlottesville, feds plan national electric aircraft charging network rollout
A nationwide charging system for electric and automated aircraft is underway, following the federal government’s launch of its first pilot flight in Charlottesville last week. The Thursday announcement came as the nation prepares to expand advanced air mobility, a shift that could improve air transportation while benefiting public health and the environment Archer Aviation, an […]
- Bon Air Facility Addresses Infrastructure to Tackle Juvenile Corrections Challenges
Bon Air faces a significant staffing crisis that requires more than additional hiring to resolve. The facility operates under a model that has proven insufficient in meeting current demands within juvenile justice. Officials have outlined specific infrastructure improvements to enhance conditions and operational efficiency. Renovations target the Bon Air campus to expand capacity and upgrade […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Burdened with Sweeping State Employee Raises in New Biennium Budget
The newly finalized Virginia budget for the 2026-2028 biennium places a massive financial burden on hardworking taxpayers to fund sweeping salary increases for government workers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed off on a spending plan that mandates a 3.5 percent annual salary increase for state employees and state-supported local employees across the board. Additionally, the […]
- Nitrous Oxide Dangers Highlighted in Legislative Testimony
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, carries risks that extend beyond recreational perceptions and can lead to profound health complications. Testimony presented during a recent Virginia State Senate meeting underscored the substance’s capacity to inflict lasting damage on users and their support networks. This development brings renewed focus to public health strategies aimed at […]
- Virginia Senate Advances Budget Proposals Including Employee Salary Increases and Bonuses
The Virginia Senate has introduced budget measures that outline specific funding for compensation adjustments affecting state employees. Senate Bill 29 focuses on fiscal year 2026 while Senate Bill 30 covers the full biennium. These proposals include allocations for salary increases, a one-time bonus, and related benefits along with corresponding savings. ## Key Provisions in Senate […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Continued Spending Surge with $98.4 Million Education Supplement
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a massive spending initiative that includes a $98.4 million one-time supplement to the At-Risk Add-On program for public school divisions. This latest financial maneuver is officially intended to address specific local operating or capital needs throughout the upcoming biennium. However, fiscal conservatives are raising severe alarms about the sheer volume of […]
- Lawmakers call for special session to debate Dominion-NextEra merger
As the State Corporation Commission prepares to begin a months-long review of the potential merger of Virginia’s largest electric utility company Dominion Energy and the Florida-based NextEra Energy, two Republican state lawmakers on Tuesday urged Gov. Abigail Spanberger to host a special legislative session that would allow a vote to extend the review period. The […]
- Virginia House Bill Targets Reduction in Concealed Handgun Permit Fees
House Bill 106 was introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2026 Regular Session. The legislation proposes to amend and reenact Section 18.2-308.03 of the Code of Virginia, which pertains to concealed handgun permit fees. The main purpose of the bill is to lower the maximum fee charged by local law-enforcement agencies for […]
- Runaway Medicaid Spending Threatens Virginia Budget and Taxpayer Wallets
The Ballooning Cost of Medicaid in Virginia The Commonwealth of Virginia is facing a massive financial hurdle as new budget figures reveal staggering growth in the state Medicaid program. Out of the $4.7 billion in net additional General Fund operating funding, approximately half is now consumed entirely by Medicaid expansion and related healthcare costs. This […]
- Virginia Budget Expands Universal School Meals with $17.6 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
Virginia lawmakers have approved a significant spending increase in the state budget, allocating $17.6 million from the General Fund across the biennium to expand school meal programs. The funding targets the Virginia Department of Education and Direct Aid to Public Education to increase reimbursement rates for school breakfasts. However, a primary goal of this multimillion-dollar […]
- Senator Bill DeSteph Raises Concerns Over Business Regulations in Virginia
Senator Bill DeSteph has stated that over-regulation and excessive government interference are affecting business growth in Virginia. His comments focus on the potential challenges these factors pose to companies operating in the state. The remarks come amid ongoing discussions about economic conditions and policy impacts. Observers note the questions raised about whether such elements influence [
- Virginia Lawmakers Consider Reparations for Land Taken via Eminent Domain for Universities
Virginia Democrats are advancing proposals for reparations aimed at families who lost property to eminent domain during expansions at Christopher Newport University and Virginia Commonwealth University. The measures focus on historical land acquisitions that occurred over several decades. These developments have prompted renewed discussion about the effects of institutional growth in the state. De
- Virginia’s $117.6 Million Education Bonus Highlights Concerns Over State Spending and Local Tax Burdens
Virginia lawmakers are once again reaching into the general fund, this time allocating $117.6 million for a one-time bonus program aimed at public education employees. The amendment specifically provides a flat $1,500 bonus for state-recognized instructional and support positions across the commonwealth. Fiscal conservatives are raising concerns about the growing price tag of this initiative, […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Push Historic Spending Increases Amid Concerns Over Budget Bloat and Taxpayer Burden
The recently unveiled Virginia budget for the FY2027-FY2028 biennium introduces unprecedented levels of state spending that have raised immediate alarms regarding fiscal restraint. At the center of this financial blueprint is a sweeping compensation package that mandates four percent annual raises for teachers and school support staff in each year of the biennium. While supporters […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $150 Million Bill for Expiring Federal Healthcare Subsidies
The recent Virginia state budget negotiations have culminated in a massive taxpayer-funded bailout to cover the expiration of federal healthcare subsidies. Lawmakers ultimately approved a staggering $150 million to backfill the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, shifting a significant financial burden directly onto the shoulders of state residents. This massive expenditure stems from an initial Hou
- Virginia schools gain spending flexibility under federal program
Virginia schools will have greater agency in administrative decisions and flexibility in how they spend federal funds heading into the upcoming school year, potentially affecting low-income student programs and teacher development. Over the past year, the U.S. Department of Education has loosened some rules on how federal Title program funds can be used. In December, […]
- Taxpayers Foot the Bill: Virginia Allocates $25 Million for Private Employer Childcare Program
Virginia taxpayers are now on the hook for a newly established $25 million pilot program designed to heavily subsidize childcare benefits for private employers. The initiative, funded directly from the general fund and slated for fiscal year 2027, represents a massive expansion of state involvement in private sector compensation. Critics argue that this Employee Child […]
- Virginia Hoards $585.5 Million Surplus as Taxpayers Demand Relief from Government Bloat
Virginia taxpayers have once again funded a massive government surplus, with Fiscal Year 2026 ending with an excess of $936.3 million in the general fund. Instead of returning these over-collected funds directly to the citizens, state officials plan to incorporate $585.5 million of this surplus into the Fiscal Year 2027 starting balances. This maneuver acts […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Record Two Billion Dollar Education Spending Spree
The recently finalized fiscal year 2027 to 2028 biennium budget for the State of Virginia includes a staggering two billion dollar investment in new public education funding. A central component of this massive financial package is a mandated four percent salary increase for public school teachers and support staff in each of the next two […]
- Millions in Taxpayer Funds Funneled into Questionable James Madison University Renovation Project
Taxpayers in Virginia are facing another massive bill as state budget allocations for higher education continue to skyrocket without sufficient legislative oversight. James Madison University recently secured a staggering $30.5 million strictly for the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall on the historic Quad. This specific project is nested within a massive state budget allocation […]
- Virginia Enacts New Law Prohibiting Bribery to Influence Voter Registration
Virginia lawmakers have passed and enacted House Bill 113, a measure designed to strengthen protections against corruption in the state’s voter registration system. The bill, introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia House of Delegates, amends the Code of Virginia to address new offenses related to bribing individuals to register to vote. Delegate […]
- Virginia Senator Proposes Fines to Curb Gas Station Heroin Sales
Senator Bill Stanley has introduced legislation designed to address the distribution of gas station heroin through retail outlets in Virginia. The bill centers on applying significant financial penalties to discourage these sales. Officials seek to limit access to the substance at gas stations and similar locations. This development comes as part of broader efforts to […]
- Virginia Allocates $116.3 Million for School Bonuses Amid Growing Budget Concerns
The state of Virginia is preparing to distribute a staggering $116.3 million in taxpayer funds to cover a one-time bonus payment for public school employees. This substantial financial commitment targets funded Standards of Quality instructional and support positions across the commonwealth. While supporting educators is a recognized priority, fiscal conservatives are raising alarms regarding the
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Another Massive Bill as State Approves $117.6 Million for School Bonuses
The Virginia state budget continues to expand at a rapid pace, placing an ever-growing financial burden on hardworking taxpayers across the commonwealth. Lawmakers have recently allocated a staggering $117.6 million to cover the state’s share of a $1,500 per position bonus for school divisions to deploy in fiscal year 2027. This massive expenditure comes on […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden as Lawmakers Push Costly State Employee Pay Raises
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial commitment following the approval of a revised state budget that significantly expands government spending. Lawmakers recently finalized a spending plan that guarantees a 3.5 percent annual pay raise for state employees across the board for both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping measure replaces a more modest […]
- Virginia Budget Expands State Spending With $500,000 Grant for School Defibrillators
Virginia lawmakers have allocated a substantial half-million dollars from the state general fund for the upcoming fiscal year to equip schools with medical emergency devices. This aggressive spending measure represents a massive expansion of state involvement in local educational infrastructure. While protecting the health and safety of students is a universal priority, fiscal conservatives are […
- Virginia Legislature Rejects Governor Youngkin’s Tax Cuts for Workers, Keeping Millions in State Coffers
The Virginia state legislature recently rejected a budget proposal from Governor Glenn Youngkin that would have provided significant tax relief to hard-working citizens across the commonwealth. By removing proposed state-specific income subtractions for tips, overtime pay, and motor vehicle loan interest, lawmakers effectively maintained a heavier tax burden on everyday workers. This decision funn
- Virginia Budget Proposal Champions Tax Conformity to Save Taxpayers $148.6 Million in FY 2027
Virginia lawmakers are currently debating a critical budget measure that would conform the state tax code to federal provisions outlined in H.R. 1. This alignment is projected to result in a state revenue decrease of $148.6 million in fiscal year 2027, which translates directly into massive savings for hardworking citizens. By synchronizing state laws with […]
- Virginia Budget Directs $28.9 Million to At-Risk Programs Amid Fiscal Concerns
The State of Virginia has finalized its budget for the FY2027-FY2028 Biennium, drawing significant attention from fiscal conservatives concerned about escalating government expenditures. Lawmakers have approved a massive $28.9 million allocation specifically targeted for at-risk student programs within the K-12 public education system. This substantial financial commitment increases the maximum At
- Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill Extending Assault and Battery Protections to Temporary District Court Judges
Virginia Lawmakers Approve Measure to Protect Temporary District Court Judges from Assault and Battery The Virginia General Assembly has passed House Bill 124, a piece of legislation that extends important legal protections to district court judges serving on temporary recall. Sponsored by Delegate Atoosa Reaser, the bill amends the Code of Virginia to add these […]
- Virginia Allocates $1.25 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Study K-12 Education Spending
The Virginia legislature has finalized a state budget that includes a massive $1.25 million allocation aimed at reviewing the public education funding formula. This significant expenditure will fund the Joint Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education Funding over the upcoming biennium. Conservative watchdogs are raising serious concerns that this allocation represents another layer of bur