Families
- Pro-data center industry group behind ad campaign in Virginia
Just days before the Oregon Legislature in March passed a one-year pause on a popular tax incentive program for data centers, a group called Oregon Connects registered as a nonprofit business in the state. Then the ads started appearing. “From homes to hospitals to businesses, Oregon’s data centers are unlocking a smarter power grid for […]
- Education department seeks new student assessment vendor
The Virginia Department of Education took the next step toward replacing its student assessment system, a move estimated to cost the commonwealth at least $30 million a year, after criticism over delayed results, technology access concerns and frequent changes. State and federal laws require all students to take state assessments, unless they qualify for a […]
- Fairfax County Restores Essential Funding for Home Repair and Preschool Services in Upcoming Budget
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently finalized key elements of the fiscal year 2027 budget, focusing heavily on community support by restoring funding for vulnerable populations. Following significant public input, local officials decided to partially reinstate financial backing for both the low- and moderate-income home repair pilot program and part-time preschool services. These targ
- 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 Pension Reforms Save Taxpayers $171.4 Million Amid Calls for Fiscal Restraint
The Virginia Retirement System recently reported a notable improvement in the aggregate funded status for local political subdivision pension plans, reaching ninety-two percent for the upcoming fiscal cycle. This financial milestone leaves an eight percent unfunded pension liability that continues to require stable employer contribution rates heading into fiscal year 2027. Thanks to these improved
- Even without a new map, Buttigieg says Va. Dems can win with focus on healthcare, affordability
Virginia Democrats lost the congressional map they hoped would help them win as many as four Republican-held seats in this year’s midterm elections. Pete Buttigieg says they may not need it. The former U.S. transportation secretary and 2020 presidential candidate said Democrats can still make significant gains under Virginia’s existing map if they field competent […]
- National landlord with property in Virginia accused of housing discrimination
Civil rights complaints filed in Virginia and other states allege that Greystar, a national apartment management company, has violated fair housing laws by rejecting prospective tenants that use housing vouchers to help pay their rent. An investigation by nonprofit watchdog Housing Rights Initiative found over 100 instances where properties managed by Greystar in Virginia, Maryland, […]
- 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’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 […]
- Prince William County Approves $20 Million Increase for Parks and Recreation Capital Investments
Prince William County officials have approved a significant financial commitment to local green spaces, authorizing a twenty million dollar increase in capital investment for the Department of Parks and Recreation. This substantial funding allocation aims to enhance existing park facilities and expand public access to new trails, playgrounds, and community spaces throughout the region. The […]
- George Mason University Reports In-State Attendance Costs Near $30,000 Annually
George Mason University lists total costs for in-state undergraduate students at around $30,000 per year. This figure encompasses tuition, mandatory fees, books and supplies, as well as room and board. Virginia state funding contributes to the university’s operations through taxpayer-supported appropriations. The all-in amount reflects current rates for full-time enrollment at the public instituti
- Fairfax County School Board Approves Superintendent Contract Renewal Through 2030
The Fairfax County School Board held a meeting where members voted unanimously to extend the contract of Superintendent Michelle Reid through 2030. Board member Robyn Lady offered praise for Reid during the session. This action secures leadership continuity for the district. The decision represents a key development in the administration of Fairfax County Public Schools. […]
- He Cannot Speak With His Voice. Virginia’s Schools Still Wouldn’t Listen
Noah does not speak with his voice. He speaks with his hands, with the careful shape of signs his family has worked hard to learn, with the urgency in his eyes when something is wrong, and with the full weight of a body that needs constant, skilled attention just to stay safe. At school, at […]
- 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 […]
- She Asked for Help. The School Answered With Suspension
Maya is thirteen years old and already exhausted by the gap between who she is and what the school day demands of her. She is bright. She wants to do well. After one of her hardest moments she wrote an apology, asked for alternatives, and said she wanted to be a good leader. Yet the […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia’s Children With Disabilities Keep Crying Out. Their Leaders Keep Looking Away
She is eleven years old and already carries a weight no child should have to bear. On some mornings she still wakes with the quiet hope that today might be different — that the classroom will feel manageable, that the adults will notice when her body starts to tighten, that someone will offer the support […]
- Fight-or-Flight at Six Years Old: One Girl’s Lawsuit Accuses Virginia of Betraying Children With Disabilities
Ava is six years old. On good days she can sit for a short stretch of time with a favorite book or a quiet activity, her small hands moving carefully, her focus intact for a few precious minutes. On harder days the world itself feels too loud, too bright, too unpredictable. Fluorescent lights hum. Classroom […]
- 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 […]
- Record $1.1 Billion Transfer Approved for Prince William County Schools in FY2027 Budget
The Prince William County government has officially advanced a record-breaking $1.1 billion funding transfer to the local public school system for the upcoming fiscal year. This unprecedented financial commitment represents a 12.5 percent increase in department spending, adding $123.5 million over the previous year’s adopted budget. The massive allocation is driven by a longstanding revenue-sharin
- Virginia Democrats Push Massive Budget Expansion Replete With New Taxes and Unprecedented Spending
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in Richmond have finalized a state budget that drastically expands the size and scope of Virginia government. The newly approved spending plan features a record-shattering $2 billion in new public education funding and creates massive new entitlement programs at the expense of taxpayers. While proponents argue these measures are […]
- Fairfax County Adopts FY2027 Budget with Tax Rate Cut and Increased School Funding
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently adopted the comprehensive fiscal year 2027 budget, navigating a complex economic landscape characterized by rising property values and newly implemented revenue streams. The approved financial plan includes a slight reduction in the real estate tax rate, officially lowering it by a quarter-cent to $1.12 per $100 of assessed […]
- Loudoun Parent Alleges Multi-Year Failure to Educate Son with Complex Disabilities, Seeks Private School Placement and Hundreds of Thousands in Relief
Thomas is a 10-year-old boy who lights up when he talks about fishing or riding his bike through the neighborhood. A brown-belt in taekwondo, he has a soft spot for animals—especially therapy dogs—and has spent hours learning to care for them. He is energetic, curious, and, by many accounts, eager to please when the conditions […]
- Assessing the Massive Budget Allocations for James Madison University
As the Virginia state budget continues to expand, taxpayers are left footing the bill for massive university infrastructure projects that warrant intense financial scrutiny. James Madison University recently secured a staggering $30.5 million specifically allocated for the renovation and furnishing of Johnston Hall on the historic Quad. This massive appropriation raises serious questions about fis
- Loudoun County Board Adopts $5.4 Billion Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has officially approved a $5.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, setting the financial framework for the rapidly growing region. This comprehensive spending plan, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, balances major investments in public services with efforts to manage taxpayer burdens. The adopted budget fully funds essential […]
- Prince William County Public Schools Approves $2.9 Million for New Special Education Staff
Prince William County Public Schools has announced a massive financial commitment to expanding specialized student support as part of its newly approved budget. The district will allocate $2.9 million specifically to hire additional staff aimed at assisting students with disabilities. This funding is embedded within a broader multi-billion dollar financial plan that transitions the district […]
- 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 […]
- UVA study shows how housing affordability policy, civic engagement and voter turnout connect
A University of Virginia professor’s research aims to illuminate how federal policy that supports affordable homeownership intersects with civic engagement via the ballot box, as housing affordability and access remain top concerns for voters in Virginia and across America. A new study titled “Mortgage Refinancing and Political Participation” explored how remedies in the aftermath of […]
- Prince William County Allocates $5 Million to Affordable Housing Reserve Fund
The Prince William County Board of County Supervisors has officially allocated a five million dollar contribution to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund for the fiscal year 2027 budget. This latest financial commitment brings the total cumulative investment in the reserve fund to twenty-one million dollars over the four-year period spanning from fiscal year 2024 to […]
- Fairfax County School Board Considers Data-Based Automatic Enrollment for Advanced Classes
Fairfax County school officials received a recommendation for automatic enrollment of students into advanced courses based on performance data. The proposal was outlined in a presentation focused on academic inclusion and pathways to higher-level coursework. It targets middle and high school transitions to increase opportunities for more students. Under the plan, students showing potential for […]
- 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 […]
- Prince William County Allocates Additional $5 Million to Affordable Housing Reserve Fund
Prince William County officials have proposed a $5 million contribution to the Affordable Housing reserve fund as a central component of the upcoming fiscal year 2027 budget. This latest financial commitment brings the total local investment in the housing reserve to a significant $21 million over the period spanning from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal […]
- Loudoun County Public Schools Receives Massive Hundred Million Dollar Budget Increase
Loudoun County public education funding is set to experience a substantial financial boost following the approval of a massive spending increase for the upcoming fiscal cycle. The Loudoun County Public Schools operating budget recently received a $105 million increase, bringing its total financial allocation to $2.1 billion. This significant enhancement in funding is designed to […]
- Loudoun County Dedicates Over $32 Million to Affordable Housing Initiatives in New Budget
Loudoun County officials have officially directed a substantial portion of the newly proposed $5.4 billion budget toward addressing regional affordable housing shortages. The county allocated an initial $29 million directly to the Housing Fund to support a variety of attainable housing initiatives. This major financial commitment utilizes dedicated revenue streams to ensure long-term sustainabilit
- Prince William County Allocates Millions for High School Robotics and Virtual Reality Technologies
Prince William County public education officials have officially outlined a comprehensive budget strategy for fiscal year 2027 that prioritizes advanced technological infrastructure in local high schools. The newly proposed educational budget totals approximately $2.9 billion and represents a significant shift in long-term financial investments for the entire district. A central component of this
- Loudoun County Approves $5.4 Billion Budget for FY2027, Balancing Public Investments with Targeted Tax Relief
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors recently approved a comprehensive $5.4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027, prioritizing education, public safety, and affordable housing initiatives. This substantial financial plan fully funds a requested $105 million increase for Loudoun County Public Schools, bringing the district’s total operating budget to an unprecedented $2.1 billion. The budget was
- 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
- Loudoun County School Board Member Delivers Veterans Tribute
Loudoun County School Board member Amy Riccardi presented remarks during a recent board meeting that focused on veterans and the sacrifices associated with protecting national freedom. Her comments included references to personal accounts from service members and the broader implications of military duty. The presentation took place in a formal setting where board members address […]
- Fairfax County Adopts $5.9 Billion Budget Amid Revenue Shifts and School Funding Debates
The adoption of a $5.9 billion budget in Fairfax County has introduced significant shifts in local government spending and revenue generation. Local officials faced a complex financial landscape, navigating a $131.5 million initial funding gap caused by rapidly declining commercial office property values. To balance the massive budget, the county implemented new consumer taxes while […]
- Fairfax County Public Schools Face Scrutiny Over IEP Implementation
Reports have emerged regarding difficulties in the implementation of individualized education programs within Fairfax County Public Schools. A father has described challenges related to the delivery of services outlined in his daughter’s IEP. These matters involve adherence to established legal standards for special education support. Details of the Reported Concerns The situation centers on wheth
- 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, […]
- Fairfax County FY 2027 Budget Maintains Unassigned Fund Balance Amid Tax Adjustments
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently finalized the markup for the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund budget, navigating complex financial pressures. Despite numerous adjustments made during the intensive markup process, the available unassigned fund balance remains entirely unchanged at $23,167,079. According to markup documents, this figure represents the balance included in the advertised
- Virginia’s $770 Million Teacher Pay Hike Sparks Concerns Over Runaway State Spending
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial burden as the state government commits an astonishing $770 million to fund a four percent salary increase for teachers in both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping budget allocation doubles the original proposal made by the governor, raising serious concerns among fiscal conservatives about sustainable spending and […]
- 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 Shoulder $17 Million for Eviction Prevention as State Backfills Federal Cuts
STATE TAXPAYERS ON THE HOOK Virginia taxpayers are now being asked to shoulder the financial burden of pandemic-era welfare programs that were originally funded by the federal government. State lawmakers have recently allocated seventeen million dollars specifically dedicated to eviction prevention assistance programs across the commonwealth. This massive spending initiative effectively shifts the
- Prince William County Public Schools Secures 6.27% Average Pay Increase for Staff in Historic $2.9 Billion Budget
Historic Budget Approval for Local Schools Prince William County Public Schools employees are slated to receive an average compensation increase of 6.27 percent under the latest fiscal year budget. This significant financial adjustment is explicitly designed to help the school division attract and retain high-quality teachers and support staff in a highly competitive regional labor […]
- 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, […]
- Julie Perry Discusses Education Priorities in Congressional Bid
Congressional candidate Julie Perry, a teacher by profession, has outlined her reasons for seeking a seat in Congress with an emphasis on education matters. She advocates for greater accountability among school boards to better serve students and families. Perry stresses the role of parents in shaping educational policies and decisions. Her platform centers on fostering […]