Abigail Spanberger
- Data centers want to build their own gas turbines. Would that skirt state renewable energy laws?
Virginia’s surging energy demands require more power generation infrastructure to be built, a slow process that’s delaying new data centers waiting to be connected to the grid. Dominion Energy, the state’s largest utility, has an estimated 70 gigawatts worth of projects in their queue that need more power sources online before they can link to […]
- Late on rent? New Virginia law gives tenants more time and protection from eviction
Tamiaka Bryant has rebuilt her life from scratch before. She doesn’t want to have to do it again. Originally from North Carolina, Bryant saw her hometown of New Bern pummeled by Hurricane Florence in 2018. Flooding and heavy winds caused an estimated $100 million in commercial and residential damage, prompting the city to spend the […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Massive Public Sector Compensation Hikes
Taxpayers in the Commonwealth of Virginia are once again being asked to shoulder the burden of expanding government payrolls as lawmakers push forward with aggressive compensation increases. A newly highlighted funding allocation directs $47.7 million toward raising wages for state employees, constitutional officers, and home healthcare workers. This multi-million-dollar expenditure represents jus
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- Accelerated Medicaid Spending Hikes Threaten Virginia’s Fiscal Stability
Virginia taxpayers are facing another significant expansion of state spending as government officials push forward with accelerated Medicaid reimbursement hikes. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently proposed budget amendments that will drastically increase the compensation rates for home care workers across the Commonwealth. The plan mandates a four percent increase effective January 1, 2027, foll
- 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 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 […]
- Historic $2 Billion Education Spending Sparks Conservative Concerns Over Government Bloat in Virginia
The newly proposed Virginia biennium budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 introduces a staggering level of state spending that has raised significant concerns among fiscal conservatives. At the center of this financial blueprint is a historic two billion dollar allocation in new public education funding, marking the largest single investment of its kind in […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $100.4 Million Bill for Welfare Administrative Costs
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive new financial burden as state lawmakers push to allocate $100.4 million to cover administrative costs for welfare programs. This staggering sum is intended to replace federal support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid that has recently dried up. Fiscal conservatives are raising alarm bells over this automatic […]
- Virginia Preserves Data Center Tax Exemption Amid Budget Battles and Fiscal Concerns
The Virginia General Assembly has finalized a contentious fiscal year 2027 budget that preserves the highly debated Data Center Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption. Lawmakers navigated intense legislative clashes to maintain the lucrative tax break, which saves the data center industry an estimated two billion dollars annually. This decision keeps the commonwealth competitive for […]
- Accelerated Home Care Wage Hikes Threaten Virginia Taxpayers with Millions in New Spending
Virginia taxpayers are bracing for a significant financial impact following the latest adjustments to the state budget regarding home care worker salaries. Lawmakers have decided to accelerate previously planned wage increases, moving the timeline up from the originally scheduled date in 2028. This rapid escalation in state-mandated spending raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Fund $20 Million Bureaucratic Expansion for Public Sector Unions
Virginia Taxpayers Face Massive Bill for New Union Bureaucracies The state budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a staggering $20 million allocation designed exclusively to fund the start-up costs for public sector collective bargaining. This massive expenditure will finance the creation of entirely new government entities, including the Public Employee Relations Board and the Virginia […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Push Costly Bureaucratic Expansion with New Marijuana Marketplace Budget
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive bureaucratic expansion as state lawmakers push forward with a costly framework for a legal recreational marijuana marketplace. The newly amended budget reveals a staggering funding increase to establish retail sales by July 2027, raising serious concerns about government waste, fraud, and overspending. Fiscal conservatives are warning that the ballooning […]
- Virginia’s Return to RGGI: A Costly Carbon Tax Disguised as Utility Relief
The recent passage of the Virginia state budget marks a controversial return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a move that critics argue will unnecessarily burden hardworking taxpayers. Governor Abigail Spanberger has championed this re-entry, despite clear evidence that the program functions as a hidden carbon tax on everyday utility consumers. To mitigate the self-inflicted […]
- Virginia Budget Amendment Targets Runaway Private School Spending with $10 Million Public Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have authorized a $10.0 million allocation in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to expand student eligibility for the Support for Students with Intense Support Needs Application program. This targeted funding increase pushes the total budget for the program to $112,686,268, which represents a substantial rise from the previous base amount of $102,686,265. Fiscal […]
- Historic $187.5 Million Housing Allocation Raises Serious Questions About Taxpayer Burden in Virginia
The state of Virginia is poised to spend a staggering $187.5 million over the biennium on the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, marking the highest funding level in the history of the program. This massive allocation of taxpayer dollars is being heavily promoted by lawmakers as a necessary step to lower housing costs and expand supply […]
- Virginia Democrats Push $714 Million State Employee Pay Raise Funded by New Taxes
As Virginia lawmakers finalize the massive budget for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium, fiscal conservatives are raising urgent alarms over a reckless expansion in permanent state spending. Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic legislative leaders have agreed to a 3.5 percent across-the-board pay bump for state employees, which will cost hardworking taxpayers an estimated $714 million. This […
- Virginia’s Forced RGGI Reentry: A Hidden Tax Masked as Utility Relief
Virginia taxpayers and utility customers are bracing for the fiscal impacts of the state’s forced reentry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative under the upcoming state budget. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently outlined a legislative plan to return a portion of the revenue collected from this controversial carbon cap-and-trade program directly to everyday consumers. While the […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Bankroll Millions for New Recreational Marijuana Bureaucracy
Virginia taxpayers are now heavily burdened with millions of dollars in new spending to establish a recreational marijuana marketplace under the newly approved state budget for the 2026-2028 biennium. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently announced a highly controversial compromise to launch recreational retail sales by July 1, 2027, ending years of legislative gridlock. However, this progressive [
- Virginia Budget Shifts Rural EV Charging Costs Away from State Taxpayers
The Virginia state budget for the upcoming fiscal year introduces a fiscally responsible shift regarding the funding of electric vehicle infrastructure in rural communities. Under budget amendment Item 420, lawmakers have replaced direct state spending with a language-only directive that protects state taxpayer dollars from being drained by expensive green energy initiatives. This conservative mov
- After years of effort, Chesapeake Bay-specific menhaden population study gets funding
With new state dollars granted by the General Assembly by way of a budget amendment from Gov. Abigail Spanberger, scientists and lawmakers plan to examine the menhaden population inside the Chesapeake Bay, the culmination of years of legislative efforts. The data will be essential to determine whether updated conservation standards and catch limits for the […]
- Virginia to fund cancer screening program for firefighters
Virginia’s new two-year budget earmarks millions to help offset current and forthcoming federal funding changes to healthcare and social services. It also accomplished a bipartisan multi-year effort to fund cancer screenings for firefighters. Studies show that firefighters are at higher risk for the disease in their line of work due to their heightened exposure to […]
- Virginia Budget Adds $600 Million Data Center Tax Amid Continued State Overspending
Virginia lawmakers have passed a new state budget that introduces a first-of-its-kind electricity consumption tax on data centers, raising serious questions about fiscal responsibility and government overspending. Taking effect on July 1, 2026, the provision levies a fee of 1.1 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity consumed by these massive technology hubs. The new tax is […]
- Virginia Banks Massive Surplus, But Taxpayers Demand Relief Over Runaway Spending
The Commonwealth of Virginia recently closed out Fiscal Year 2026 with a staggering $936.3 million general fund surplus, raising immediate red flags for fiscal conservatives across the state. This massive stockpile of excess cash was driven by a 6.7 percent growth in state revenues, translating to an additional $2.09 billion taken from the pockets of […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Millions in New Costs as 2027 and 2028 Home Care Wage Mandates Expand State Bureaucracy
Virginia taxpayers are bracing for a massive expansion of state spending following the recent approval of aggressive wage increases for home care workers scheduled for 2027 and 2028. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently finalized a series of controversial budget amendments that not only mandate artificially higher pay but also allocate millions of taxpayer dollars to establish […]
- State Budget Subsidizes Local School Responsibilities With $500,000 AED Grant
Virginia taxpayers are once again footing the bill for local school district expenses as the newly passed state budget allocates $500,000 in the first year of Fiscal Year 2027 for Automated External Defibrillators. The funds, directed through the Department of Education under Direct Aid to Public Education, are meant to assist high-need public elementary and […]
- Virginia’s FY2027 Budget Saddles Taxpayers with $1.1 Billion in Higher Education Debt
The newly finalized budget for the 2026-2028 biennium in the State of Virginia introduces significant financial burdens on taxpayers through massive higher education spending. Lawmakers have allocated a staggering $349.7 million for higher education funding, raising serious concerns about fiscal responsibility and government overreach. Instead of forcing universities to trim administrative bloat,
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Massive Housing Subsidies in FY2027 Budget
The newly finalized budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia includes a staggering allocation of state funds directed toward affordable housing initiatives for the fiscal year 2027. Lawmakers have approved a massive $187.5 million in total biennial support for the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, which features a specific $100 million expenditure strictly for FY2027. This dramatic […]
- Virginia Budget Bloat: Governor Spanberger Pushes Record Spending and New Taxes
Governor Abigail Spanberger has finalized a state budget for the 2026-2028 biennium that introduces a staggering two billion dollars in new public education spending. This massive financial commitment comes directly on the heels of a historic two point six billion dollar educational funding increase passed during the previous budget cycle. Fiscal conservatives across Virginia are […]
- Virginia Medicaid Budget Balloons as Accelerated Pay Hikes for Home Care Workers Cost Taxpayers Millions
The Virginia state budget continues to expand under new amendments that accelerate compensation increases for home care workers, putting additional strain on taxpayers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently returned the state budget with fourteen amendments, specifically requesting earlier salary increases for Medicaid-funded care providers. This move shifts a previously planned eight percent incre
- Virginia’s $148.4 Million Special Education Expansion Sparks Calls for Stricter Fiscal Oversight
The upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia includes a staggering $148.4 million allocation to more than double the Special Education Add-On. This massive financial injection expands per-pupil funding for special education students, representing a significant priority for state legislators. While providing adequate resources for vulnerable students is a shared moral value
- Virginia Banks $585.5 Million Surplus for Fiscal Year 2027 Amid Calls for Taxpayer Relief
The state of Virginia recently announced a staggering $936.3 million general fund surplus for Fiscal Year 2026, driven by an aggressive 6.7 percent growth in state revenues. This massive influx represents a $2.09 billion increase over the previous fiscal year, highlighting just how heavily state government is taxing its citizens. Instead of returning these over-collected […]
- Governor Spanberger Commits One Billion Taxpayer Dollars to Backfill Federal Budget Cuts
Governor Abigail Spanberger recently finalized the Virginia FY2026-2028 Biennium Budget, which includes a massive one billion dollar reserve fund designed to offset anticipated federal spending reductions. State officials claim this protective investment is necessary to shield Virginia from massive cuts stemming from President Donald Trump and his tax reform legislation. However, conservative watc
- Virginia Budget Explodes with Record Education Spending and Teacher Raises
The State of Virginia is preparing to implement the largest investment in public education in its history, raising serious concerns among fiscal conservatives about runaway state spending and long-term financial stability. The newly approved budget includes a massive two billion dollars in new education funding overall, with over one billion dollars directed specifically toward public […]
- Virginia Implements Historic Data Center Tax Amidst Rising Public Costs and Budgetary Battles
Virginia has officially implemented a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers as part of the FY2027-FY2028 biennial budget. The new policy levies a $0.011 per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity consumed by facilities housing massive server and network systems. Governor Abigail Spanberger championed the measure, stating it ensures the rapidly expanding industry pays its
- Public college governing boards
Even after being ousted as the Virginia Military Institute’s first Black superintendent last summer, retired Major General Cedric Wins said Monday at a higher education-focused conference in Washington D.C. that by helping to examine and improve governing boards for Virginia’s public colleges and universities on a state commission, he is committing another act of service. […]
- Virginia joins rooftop solar initiative to help residents trim electric bills
On Monday, Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced that Virginia is partnering with the nonprofit Switch Together to help bring down the cost of solar array purchases for homeowners who want to install them on their homes. The governor framed the move as a way to help Virginians lower their utility bills. The organization acquires the solar […]
- Virginia House Bill 86 Proposes Mattress Stewardship Program with New Recycling Fee
Richmond, Virginia — During the 2026 regular session of the Virginia General Assembly, attention turned to House Bill 86, which proposed the establishment of a Mattress Stewardship Program aimed at improving the management of discarded mattresses in the Commonwealth. Sponsored by Delegate Amy Laufer, the bill sought to amend the Code of Virginia by adding […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Record Education Bill as State Spends Billions Despite Declining Enrollment
The state of Virginia has officially enacted a budget that includes a staggering two billion dollars in new public education funding. This record-breaking allocation represents the largest single investment in public education in the history of the commonwealth, placing an immense long-term burden on hardworking taxpayers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently praised the spending package, claiming
- Virginia marijuana budget language triggers legal confusion, political fallout
Virginia’s decision to revive legal cannabis sales through the state budget instead of standalone legislation has triggered several days of confusion over the commonwealth’s marijuana laws, with lawmakers, local prosecutors, Virginia State Police and legislative officials offering differing interpretations of when key provisions take effect. Much of the confusion focused on two issues: whether Vi
- Governor Abigail Spanberger Pushes Five Million Dollar Budget Expansion for New Digital Services Bureaucracy
Governor Abigail Spanberger recently announced her fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, which includes a significant financial request to fund a newly created Virginia Digital Service team. The proposed budget allocates five million dollars to fully launch this new technology initiative for the 2026 to 2028 biennium budget cycle. Fiscal conservatives are already raising questions about […]
- Virginia Governor Signs Bill Requiring Invasive Species Management on Highways
In a significant development for Virginia’s transportation and environmental management, Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed House Bill 88 into law. This legislation updates the state’s approach to managing plants along highway rights-of-way by prohibiting the planting of invasive species and requiring their removal. The bill amends section 33.2-217 of the Code of Virginia. It directs […]
- Senator Bill DeSteph Discusses Policies for High-Paying Jobs in Virginia Hearing
Senator Bill DeSteph presented comments on attracting high-paying jobs to Virginia in a legislative committee hearing. His statements focused on the relationship between regulatory policies and economic development opportunities in the state. DeSteph raised questions about whether existing regulations are impacting the ability to secure major investments that create positions with salaries exceedi
- Virginia Launches $25 Million Pro-Business Childcare Pilot Program to Boost Workforce Participation
Virginia lawmakers have officially launched a unique twenty-five million dollar pilot program aimed at keeping parents in the workforce by partnering with private businesses. This initiative, known as the Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, seeks to incentivize private employers to share the heavy burden of childcare costs with their workers. By focusing on a […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Quietly Extend Costly Refundable Tax Credit Through 2030
The Virginia state budget continues to expand at an unsustainable pace as lawmakers quietly extend a costly welfare provision disguised as a tax break. Through the third enactment clause of the 2026 Appropriation Act, the state government has officially extended the refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit at twenty percent of the federal level through […]
- Virginia Implements Landmark Energy Consumption Tax on Data Centers to Protect Taxpayers and the Grid
Virginia lawmakers have finalized a groundbreaking state budget that introduces a first-in-the-nation electricity consumption tax targeting the rapidly expanding data center industry. This new fiscal policy levies a tax of $0.011 per kilowatt-hour on all electricity consumed by these massive technology hubs operating within the Commonwealth. The measure is projected to generate a substantial $600