Budget
- Virginia Delegate’s Bill to Increase Penalty for Voluntary Manslaughter Fails in House Committee
The 2026 Virginia legislative session featured the introduction of House Bill 102 by Delegate Jason Ballard. This legislation proposed significant changes to the penalty for voluntary manslaughter in the Commonwealth. According to the summary as introduced, the bill aims to increase the penalty for voluntary manslaughter. Currently, this offense is classified as a Class 5 […]
- Virginia’s $17 Million Eviction Program Expansion Sparks Fiscal Concerns
The Virginia state budget recently advanced a massive expansion of taxpayer-funded housing subsidies, raising concerns among fiscal conservatives about runaway spending. Lawmakers allocated an astonishing $17 million for eviction prevention assistance over the biennium, vastly expanding the state’s footprint in private housing matters. This hefty appropriation represents a drastic expansion from t
- Officials push for transparency on testing around Shoosmith Landfill
Local, state, and federal officials held a closed-door meeting on July 1 to discuss the next steps for managing Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield, which is leaking 50,000 gallons a day of toxic leachate and is poised to spur an “environmental catastrophe,” Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield, said. Sen. Mike Jones, D-Richmond, on Wednesday stated on Twitter […]
- Eight school-based health clinics close in Southwest Virginia as federal funding pressures mount
Federally Qualified Health Centers in Southwest Virginia have shut down eight school-based health clinics, prompting the Virginia Community Healthcare Association to urge U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, to intervene. The association, which represents FQHCs across the state, sent Griffith a letter Thursday about the closures. The outreach program had served as an extension of health […]
- Virginia Delegate Introduces Legislation to Extend Early Intervention Services for Children with Disabilities
The 2026 Virginia legislative session saw the introduction of HB103, a bill sponsored by Delegate Jason Ballard that aims to extend the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. This initiative directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to implement the federal extension option under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. […]
- Four Virginia counties will pump almost 20 million gallons of water a day to Amazon.
How you look at something – the frame you use and your perspective – often influences what you see. This holds true with the issue of data centers and water use. Amazon recently reported that it withdrew a total of 2.5 billion gallons of water for data center cooling operations in 2025. That seems like […]
- Virginia House Bill 81 Directs Review of Maximum Temperature Standards for Certain Rooms
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, House Bill 81 was introduced to direct certain state agencies to amend their regulations pertaining to the maximum temperature at which certain rooms may be kept. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price, specifically directs the Department of Social Services to amend its regulations on […]
- The rush to pass legislation at the last minute has led to errors.
This post was originally published on this site.It’s not the fault of Democrats when they pursue bad policies, like infringing rights, increasing taxes, and letting criminals go free early. Rarely if ever, do last-minute legislative changes bring about anything positive. The majority party changed policy in order to fix serious problems that were not caught […]
- Feds launch groundbreaking electric plane pilot program in Virginia
A view of BETA Technologies’ Alia A250 Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft in Charlottesville. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Virginia hosted the first flight of the federal government’s advanced air mobility pilot program in Charlottesville on Friday, an electric aviation initiative that sets the stage for the nation to improve air transportation while boosting health […]
- Prince William County Advances FY2027 Budget with Historic $1.1 Billion School Transfer
The Prince William County government has officially outlined its Fiscal Year 2027 budget, featuring a historic $1.1 billion transfer to Prince William County Public Schools. This unprecedented funding allocation represents a 12.5 percent increase over the previous fiscal year, injecting an additional $123.5 million into the local education system. Local officials have emphasized that this […]
- Manassas Park Schools Seek $900,000 from Reserves Amid Enrollment Declines
The Manassas Park City Public Schools system is facing heightened scrutiny regarding its fiscal year 2027 budget proposals and administrative transparency. District officials have requested approximately $900,000 from municipal reserves to cover upcoming salary and benefit costs for educational staff. This substantial financial draw comes at a time when the school district is experiencing a […]
- Virginia nonprofit launches mobile tech education bus for underserved students
Two retired military cybersecurity experts in Virginia recently launched a bus service in Hampton Roads to raise awareness and educate students about technology, after receiving an unexpected state budget appropriation of $200,000. The cyber education bus is the latest way the nonprofit organization RFK Outreach will fulfill its goal to help children and teens learn […]
- Jason Miyares Address Marijuana Framework in State Budget
Attorney General Jason Miyares released a statement regarding Governor Abigail Spanberger and efforts surrounding marijuana commercialization in Virginia. Miyares recalled his earlier warning that a rushed approach to such policies could lead to problematic governance outcomes. Recent developments in the state budget process brought those concerns to the forefront. The statement pointed to the inc
- Resident Voices Concerns Over Proposed Rosslyn Boathouse at Arlington Meeting
During a public comment period at an Arlington County Board meeting, a resident presented objections to the proposed Rosslyn Boathouse project. The comments centered on the use of bond funding and the timing relative to other planned work in the area. The speaker suggested that neighborhood improvements should receive higher priority in budget decisions. The […]
- Parent Raises Transparency Issues at Franklin City School Board Meeting
During a recent meeting of the Franklin City School Board a local parent participated in the public comment period. The individual expressed strong dissatisfaction with the superintendent describing the leadership as the worst encountered in her experience. The testimony centered on topics of transparency and the overall direction of school administration. School board meetings in […]
- Loudoun County Boosts Sheriff Funding for Overtime and Equipment Amid Growth
Loudoun County has approved increased funding for the Sheriff’s Office overtime and equipment upgrades as part of its FY2026 budget. The allocations respond to ongoing population growth and rising demands for law enforcement services in expanding suburban areas. County officials have tied these increases to measurable trends in call volume and staffing requirements. Population Growth […]
- Testing service acquisition expands Virginia’s workforce credentialing and policy plans
Educational Testing Services, a leading test developer for colleges and universities, recently acquired ACT, the organization that administers one of the nation’s most popular standardized tests to measure students educational development for college admission. The merger will combine both entities’ expertise to create better tools to help students in Virginia and across the country succeed […]
- Franklin City Board Deals With Unexpected Budget Proposal During Meeting
The Franklin City board experienced a tense moment when a last-minute multi-million dollar budget request was introduced during the council proceedings. This request arrived without advance indication, leading to immediate discussion among those present. The situation created a noticeable shift in the meeting’s pace as details were addressed on the spot. Heated exchanges followed as […]
- Senator Scott Surovell calls out Governor Spanberger for allegedly bypassing the law
During a legislative session Senator Scott Surovell raised points about revenue forecasting procedures. He referenced a veto that had already taken place on a related bill. Surovell discussed a press release concerning the committee on revenue estimates. The board’s role on that committee was noted in his comments. He inquired about the possibility of independent […]
- State budget extends Virginia higher education displacement commission funding for two years
Funding approved by Virginia lawmakers in the new state budget paves the way for two more years of work by a commission studying Black communities’ past displacement by Virginia colleges and universities and potential forms of redress. While final figures have not been determined, the commission — the only of its kind in the state […]
- Loudoun County School Board Reviews School Funding Percentages Over 100 Percent
The Loudoun County School Board held a meeting to examine how certain school funding statistics can total more than 100 percent. This situation arises in the context of data used for meal program eligibility. Presenters explained the role of Community Eligibility Provision or CEP information in generating these results. The board reviewed historical data spanning […]
- Loudoun County School Board Considers Amendment on Retiree Health Benefits
Loudoun County School Board member Amy Riccardi introduced an amendment focused on protecting retiree health benefits at a recent board session. The measure seeks to address potential silent budget gaps in the district’s financial planning. It also aims to increase transparency regarding staff benefits. This development occurred during standard proceedings on school district matters. The […]
- How Virginia became the world’s data center capital and how it’s going
Demand for internet access and electronic storage has grown alongside digital technology itself. At the center of that growth are the energy infrastructure and data centers that governments and companies began developing in Northern Virginia in the late 20th century. Today, the region houses the world’s largest concentration of data centers, making Virginia the nation’s […]
- Fairfax County Holds Real Estate Tax Rate Steady for FY 2026
Fairfax County has maintained its real estate tax rate at $1.085 per $100 of assessed value in the fiscal year 2026 adopted budget plan. This action continues the rate level that has remained unchanged since fiscal year 2022. The decision supports homeowner stability amid rising property assessments while funding essential county operations. Revenue projections estimate […]
- Virginia’s romance with data centers has cooled, but nobody benefits if there’s a full breakup
Data centers. Can’t live with them. Can’t live without them. But we could do with data centers slowing their jackrabbit pace of reproduction in congested suburbs and, instead, building where they could fill a need and do more economic good. Our romance with data centers has cooled in Virginia, home to the world’s greatest concentration […]
- Prince William County’s Transit Funding Model: No General Fund Reliance Amid Regional Comparisons
The system includes the region’s largest park and ride network, with approximately 7,000 spaces, facilitating commuter services across multiple districts. Officials describe this as an outstanding arrangement that serves Prince William County effectively without local general fund contributions, contrasting with Fairfax County’s approach of allocating $250 million yearly from its general fund to t
- Farmers, retailers worry as state and federal regs for hemp, marijuana shift
A legal cannabis market is set to take effect in Virginia next summer pending a final state budget, but Mannassas-based Barbara Biddle has already given notice to her landlord to shut down one of her two hemp stores. As a purveyor of hemp-infused products, her District Hemp Botanicals shops sell creams, bath salts, infused drinks […]
- Fairfax County Parent Raises Concerns Over Classroom Technology Use in FCPS During School Board Meeting
The speaker questioned the efficacy of digital learning, citing concerns over depth of learning and retention rates. She noted that FCPS provides school-issued devices to students, including one-to-one distribution starting in kindergarten. These devices permit photo sharing and video viewing, resulting in incidents of inappropriate content exposure, described as ‘occasional blips,’ possibly refer
- Loudoun County School Board Passes Budget Increase for Employee Bonuses
The Loudoun County School Board convened to address a proposed adjustment to its operating budget. Member Ross Svenson put forward a motion seeking an additional 6.2 million dollars dedicated to staff bonuses. The proposal received consideration during the meeting and advanced to a vote. The board members present reached a consensus in support of the […]
- Virginia Lawmaker Senator Scott Surovell Questions Commercial Marijuana Impact on State Budget
Senator Scott Surovell posed questions in a recent legislative session regarding the possible influence of a commercial marijuana market on Virginia’s budget situation. He inquired specifically if such a market could resolve the state’s budget deficit. References were made to potential job creation surpassing 18,000 positions. The senator also sought clarification on plans involving federal […]
- Virginia lawmakers return Monday to weigh Spanberger budget amendments before fiscal deadline
Less than 48 hours before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly will meet in Richmond Monday to consider Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s proposed amendments to the state’s two-year spending plan lawmakers passed one week ago. The House of Delegates will reconvene at noon to take up the governor’s amendments first, followed later […]
- Virginia General Assembly approves Spanberger’s budget amendments, ending monthslong impasse
With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly on Monday approved a package of amendments proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the state’s two-year budget, formally ending a budget fight among the Democratic majority that had dragged on for months. The House of Delegates and state […]
- Virginia legislature grants emergency funds to help close leaking, bankrupt landfill in Chesterfield
The Virginia General Assembly allocated $10.6 million in the two-year budget lawmakers passed this week for the Department of Environmental Quality to help contain toxic leachate spilling from the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill in Chesterfield County. The emergency funds will be used “to prevent it from becoming a catastrophe”, according the Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Chesterfield. It […]
- Local Mother Raises Retaliation Claims Against Franklin City School Board Over Child’s Removal
During her remarks, the speaker held documents and emphasized her repeated requests for assistance, presenting text messages, phone calls, and paperwork as evidence. She characterized the school’s response as an abuse of authority and bully tactics, questioning whether this constitutes the treatment parents receive for speaking out. The mother called for immediate corrective action, stating […]
- Virginia House Advances Bill Expanding Uses of Passenger Vehicle Fees for Local Emergency Medical Services
Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal to update how local communities can spend money collected from fees on certain types of vehicles. The legislation, known as House Bill 57, was introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. This bill aims to amend section 46.2-694 of […]
- Legislation to Incorporate Inflation in Virginia Real Property Tax Assessments
In the ongoing efforts to refine local government financing in Virginia, Delegate Joseph McNamara has introduced House Bill 68 during the 2026 Regular Session of the House of Delegates. This legislation focuses on amending provisions in the Code of Virginia related to how counties and cities handle tax rate adjustments following real property assessments. The […]
- Virginia Legislature Advances Offshore Wind Workforce Training Initiative
The Virginia General Assembly has approved a new law intended to equip the state’s workforce with the skills necessary for the offshore wind industry. House Bill 67, which became law as Chapter 362, was signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation focuses exclusively on developing training programs and […]
- Spanberger weighs legislation to allow class action lawsuits in Virginia courts
(Photo by Getty Images) Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether to sign or veto legislation that would, for the first time, allow Virginians to file class action lawsuits in state courts — a shift advocates say would expand access to justice, but one that has drawn pushback over how far the change should go. Virginia […]
- FOIA Lawsuit Reveals Fairfax County School Board’s Closed-Door Approval of Staff Compensation Increases
The Fairfax County School Board comprises Chair Sandy Anderson, Karl Frisch (Providence District), Melanie Meren (Hunter Mill District), Rachna Sizemore Heizer (Braddock District), Mateo Dunne (Mount Vernon District), Seema Dixit (Sully District), Kyle McDaniel, and the remaining members representing the county’s districts. These positions reportedly went to individuals including a campaign manage
- 10th-Grade Student Testifies at Fairfax School Board on Risks of Early Smartphone Use
According to the student’s remarks, attachments to stuffed animals develop gradually over years, but smartphones forge similar yet more intense dependencies almost immediately due to their constant presence. Integrated into school activities, daily routines, and bedtime habits, phones become central to a child’s life, normalizing what the speaker described as an unhealthy reliance. The testimony [
- Virginia revenues surge despite job losses amid budget standoff
Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding expectations and giving lawmakers more room to negotiate a stalled state budget, Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles said Tuesday. Presenting the administration’s latest economic and revenue update to the Senate […]
- $193M shortfall with construction funds Virginia transportation board
The Commonwealth Transportation Board voted to transfer funds from construction projects and other areas to address a $193 million budget shortfall caused by increased spending on storm response and employee bonuses on during Wednesday’s business meeting. The Virginia Department of Transportation reported that emergency responses — including snowstorms, hurricanes, and flooding — cost the agency [
- Tensions Escalate at Fairfax County School Board Over Transparency in Tech Contract Discussion
The Fairfax County School Board comprises 12 members: Sandy Anderson, Chair, Springfield District; Karl Frisch, Providence District; Melanie Meren, Hunter Mill District; Robyn Lady, Vice Chair, Dranesville District; Seema Dixit, Sully District; Ricardy Anderson, Mason District; Tom Dannan; Marcia St. John-Cunning; Mateo Dunne, Mount Vernon District; Kyle McDaniel; Ryan McElveen; and Ilryong Moon.
- Abigail Spanberger vetoes bills allowing public employees to collectively bargain working condition, wages
Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed collective bargaining legislation Thursday, drawing major criticism from some of the state’s largest unions and labor advocate groups. The governor previously expressed support for the bills that would allow more Virginia public workers to organize in unions and negotiate their working conditions and pay rates. Spanberger first sought amendments to Senate […]
- Fairfax County School Board Member Raises Concerns in Debate Over Leadership Role
The appointee in question appears to be Kyle McDaniel, who was elevated to Vice Chair of the Budget Committee earlier in March 2026. McDaniel faces an active lawsuit from Blue Label Aviation, his former employer, alleging embezzlement of $175,000, misuse of funds at strip clubs, and attempts to steal airplanes worth $1.5 million. The suit […]
- Parent Delivers Critical Testimony on Franklin City Schools’ Math Improvement Plan at Board Meeting
The speaker detailed concerns over the plan’s use of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), stating it provides no specific measures to aid pupils. He pointed to IXL, described as a supplement rather than a core program, where district students recorded 29% proficiency. The parent noted no improvement from the previous year, maintaining the division’s position […]
- Virginia Marijuana retail plan in limbo after lawmakers reject Spanberger changes
In Virginia, the future of a legal, regulated market for adult-use marijuana remains in limbo years after possession was legalized. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Five years after Virginia legalized simple adult possession of marijuana, lawmakers are at an impasse over how to finally stand up a legal retail market, after the General Assembly […]
- Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down the voter-approved redistricting amendment, upholding a lower court ruling that had declared the measure unconstitutional less than 24 hours after last week’s special election and briefly halted its implementation. The […]
- Democrats fail to pass budget
This post was originally published on this site. In politics, there are some days when whole months can happen. The General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday, April 22, and it was one such day. It never stops. What is the common factor? I think it’s Democrats who make bad decisions. You would think that a $50-million […]
- Resident Voices Financial Hardship at Warren County Supervisors Meeting Over Proposed Tax Increase
In his public comment, Jenkins stated he works six days a week, tithes at church, and pays his taxes diligently. He disclosed having only 75 cents in his bank account, attributing it to the demands of family life. Describing his current home as too small for his growing family, Jenkins noted the challenges posed by […]