Taxes
- Rising Taxes and Enrollment Declines Highlight Need for Multi-Year Budget Projections in Manassas Park
Rising property values and a corresponding increase in tax bills are bringing local government finances into sharper focus for residents in Manassas Park, Virginia. While city and school leaders have outlined immediate budgetary needs, the apparent absence of comprehensive multi-year budget projections on official municipal websites is raising questions about long-term fiscal accountability. For a
- Virginia’s Massive Surplus Exposes Over-Taxation as State Hoards Millions in Reserves
On July 15, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a plan to roll $585.5 million from a massive state surplus into the Fiscal Year 2027 starting balances. Virginia closed out Fiscal Year 2026 with a staggering $936.3 million general fund surplus, driven by relentless revenue collections from citizens across the commonwealth. While the administration attempts to […]
- Virginia’s $1.94 Billion Data Center Giveaway: A Colossal Failure of Fiscal Restraint
The recently finalized Virginia budget reveals a staggering fiscal reality for hardworking taxpayers who are currently subsidizing the booming data center industry. While lawmakers publicly tout a newly implemented electricity consumption tax, they quietly retained a massive retail sales and use tax exemption for these technology giants through the year 2035. This corporate carve-out represents […
- Virginia’s $1.4 Billion Education Budget Surge Sparks Conservative Concerns Over Runaway Spending
Lawmakers in Virginia have recently finalized a state budget that includes a massive $1.4 billion overall increase in K-12 public education funding. This unprecedented surge in spending raises serious concerns among fiscal conservatives who advocate for reducing the budget and saving taxpayer money. Instead of finding efficiencies within existing frameworks, the state government has opted […]
- 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
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- State’s love affair with data centers is cooling
This post was originally published on this site.Data centers. Data centers. They are a necessity. We could benefit from data centers building in areas where there is a greater need, and doing more economic good, rather than rushing to build them at a jackrabbit’s pace. Virginia is home to one of the largest concentrations of […]
- Do data centers impact our physical health? Studies are few and far between.
Data centers fuel the ever-growing demand for social media, artificial intelligence and streaming services, allowing people to access a plethora of entertainment options and streamline everyday tasks. And their numbers are growing — another 80 proposed projects cataloged by the Data Center Proposal Tracker would more than double the current 71 active sites in the […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- Senator Advocates for Data Centers to Meet Tax Obligations in Virginia Budget Talks
Senator Louise Lucas addressed Virginia budget negotiations by stating that data centers must pay their fair share of taxes. She noted that the state will have a budget by June 30 and pointed to the need for businesses including data centers that employ workers to contribute through a tax on computer equipment. These remarks focus […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia schools push for local tax option as aging buildings strain rural divisions
Every time storms threaten the Tidewater region, Superintendent David Daniel worries the next round of severe weather could cripple Mathews County Public Schools’ aging environmental system, forcing classroom closures and creating safety risks for students. In one case, the storm did just that. Moisture overwhelmed the elementary school’s heating, ventilation and cooling system, causing water […]
- 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 revenue forecast jumps by $1.5 billion as budget talks continue
Virginia’s revenue outlook has improved by $1.5 billion over the next three fiscal years, giving lawmakers more breathing room as negotiations over a stalled state budget are set to continue in Richmond later this month. Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Monday afternoon released the updated revenue forecast she ordered last month, telling top legislative budget writers […]
- Separate Tax Rates for Land and Improvements in Fredericksburg
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session featured the introduction of House Bill 72, a piece of legislation focused on modifying real property tax rules for the City of Fredericksburg. The bill was prefiled on December 31, 2025, and officially offered on January 14, 2026, after being ordered printed. Upon introduction, it was referred to the […]
- 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 […]
- Time for New Leadership: Loudoun’s Bloated FY 2027 Budget
Loudoun County has released its proposed FY 2027 budget, and it sends a clear message: business as usual continues. The County Administrator is proposing a 5% increase in operating expenditures and a 7% increase in local taxation compared to FY 2026. For schools, the proposal is even more aggressive — an 8% increase in operational spending, paired with that same 7% local […]
- Dr. Kimberly Melman-Orozco Alleges Prince William County School Board Offered $20K NDA in ADA Dispute
Melman-Orozco stated that the offer was made to prevent further discussion of the issues, which she claims involved failures to accommodate her child’s needs adequately. She referenced recordings of conversations with board or district officials, noting a contingency clause requiring the NDA for payment. Declining the deal, she affirmed her commitment to her First Amendment […]
- 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 […]
- Loudoun County Proposes New Taxpayer-Funded Short-Term Rent Supplement Program
Loudoun County, Virginia—one of the wealthiest counties in the United States—may soon launch a new county-funded “short-term rent supplement program” aimed at promoting housing stability. The initiative, advanced by Supervisors Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) and Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), has drawn attention for its broad eligibility criteria. The program would provide up to six months […]
- Uptick in continued Virginia General Assembly legislation reflects varied motivations
The State Capitol in Richmond. (Photo by Kacy Lee/Capital News Service) By Kacy Lee/VCU Capital News Service RICHMOND, Va. — Hundreds of bills were continued to 2027 following the recent Virginia General Assembly session that concluded in mid-March, a method political experts say is increasingly used by lawmakers for several reasons. A total of 2,366 […]
- The debate over Fairfax Co.’s casino is centered on a question: Does Tysons really need it?
This post was originally published on this site.As Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is weighing whether she will sign a measure allowing voters to decide whether or not to build a Casino Complex in Fairfax County. Local and state leaders are divided on the issue. The bill would permit the construction of an 1.5 million square […]
- Virginia General Assembly Debates Tax Treatment of Vacant Land Amid Housing Concerns
During the public session, one speaker advocated for reduced taxation on undeveloped parcels, arguing it would incentivize property owners and developers to improve the land. ‘Having a lower tax rate on vacant land encourages development and improvements,’ the speaker said, suggesting it could lead to more housing units entering the market. Counterarguments focused on fiscal […]
- Before You Vote in November, Look at What Happened in Richmond
This November, Virginians will choose who represents them in the U.S. House. As always, the economy will be the decisive issue, and midterms traditionally punish the party in power. What voters should not forget is what just happened in Richmond. Led by Abigail Spanberger, Democrats ran on “affordability.” After winning control of state government, they […]
- Youngkin Touts Virginia Progress in Final State of the Commonwealth Address
On foster care and behavioral health, Youngkin pointed to the Right Help Right Now initiative as key to system improvements, aiming to better serve children and families. Critics, including Democratic leaders, have questioned the depth of reforms amid ongoing challenges. Virginia was named the top state for veterans by Smile Hub, attributed to policies like […]
- They Promised Affordability. Then Came the Tax Hikes—and the Pay Raise
Promises of Affordability? More Like Broken Promises Virginia Democrats spent the campaign season hammering one message: affordability. Voters were told that Democrats would ease the financial burden on working families and make the state more affordable to live in. But since retaking control of Virginia’s government, their actions tell a very different story. Tax Hikes […]
- Virginia’s “Affordability” Lie: How Democrats Turned Campaign Promises into a Tax Tsunami
“Affordability” — Just a Campaign Slogan Virginia Democrats barely waited for the ink to dry on their election victories before revealing what their version of “affordability” really means. Within days of taking unified control of state government, they began advancing tax proposals that would push Virginia toward the highest tax burden in the nation. The campaign rhetoric sounded […]
- Loudoun County Debates Allocation of $194 Million Surplus from Data Center Revenues
Loudoun County, Virginia, known for its concentration of data centers, is currently addressing how to manage a $194 million budget surplus generated in fiscal year 2025.
- Why Loudoun County Taxpayers Keep Paying More
Budget Growth Far Exceeds Any Rational Justification Loudoun County budget data for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 are presented in Table 1. A little arithmetic using these data shows that operating budget expenditures increased by 9.7% from FY 2025 to FY 2026 and local taxation for the same period increased by 11%. The increase in […]
- Loudoun County Democrats Face Tax Relief Standoff Amid Booming Data Center Revenues
In a heated discussion at a recent Loudoun County Board of Supervisors meeting, Republican Supervisor Matt Letourneau highlighted the county’s reluctance to pass on tax savings to hardworking residents despite surging revenues from its thriving data center industry.
- Virginia Democrats Push Forward with Retail Marijuana Market Launch in 2026
Virginia lawmakers have advanced a revised legislative framework to establish a regulated retail marijuana market, with sales potentially beginning as early as November 1, 2026.
- Loudoun County Democrats Considers Taxpayer-Funded Land Subsidies for Tiny Homes Amid Soaring Housing Costs
In a move that has sparked debate over fiscal responsibility, members of Loudoun County’s Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (ADUAB) have discussed subsidizing land costs for multi-unit tiny homes as a potential solution to the county’s escalating affordable housing crisis.
- Virginia Senate Republicans Call Out Democrats for Attack on Right To Work
RICHMOND, VA – Democrats spent all year promising they would not touch right to work and that they would protect the money in Virginians’ pockets. Now one of their first priorities is dismantling Virginia’s right to work laws and pushing mandatory collective bargaining, even though Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger promised she would not sign a repeal. “Democrats […]
- Sticker Shock: Loudoun Taxpayers Hit Hard by a Broken Budgeting System
Loudoun County’s Budget Cycle The Loudoun County budget year runs from July 1 to June 30. The County is currently operating under the FY-2026 budget, and the process for formulating the FY-2027 budget is already underway. This process is overseen by the County Administrator. How the Budget Is Formulated The annual budget process unfolds as […]
- Will the Loudoun County BOS Do the Right Thing with the FY2025 Budget Surplus?
Last year in the December timeframe the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors (BOS) quietly held a meeting to allocate surplus funding from the previous year’s budget. In that case, the subject was a surplus of $250M from the FY 2024 budget (June 2023 to June 2024). The meeting was publicized after the fact in a […]
- The One Big Beautiful Bill is now law
Here’s what it means for you. Tax Provisions Significant Funding Provisions Significant Savings New Medicare Work Requirements Significant Benefits for America Economic Growth Potential: The tax cuts and business incentives are intended to stimulate economic growth, potentially increasing taxpayer income and reducing unemployment.
- In Support of the GOP Tax Bill and Silencer Deregulation
The Republican tax bill, including its provision to eliminate the $200 tax and registration requirements for firearm silencers, represents a practical approach to reducing government overreach while promoting individual freedoms and economic growth. Contrary to the criticisms from Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, this legislation prioritizes the needs of law-abiding citizens and offers signific
- Staff Cuts, Union Raises as Fairfax County Public Schools scrambles to balance budget
Fairfax County Public Schools staff will receive most, but not all, of their planned salary increases under a revised fiscal year 2026 budget proposal shared last week by Superintendent Michelle Reid.
- Cybersecurity Pro Junaid Khan Jumps Into Virginia House Race, District 27
Laser‑Focused on Families, Economic Growth, Community Safety and Delivering Results‑Driven Governance.
- Virginia Democrats set to increase towing charges
Virginia towing rates could increase soon under legislation that is advancing to the governor’s desk. However, the decision on whether to raise the fees will be left to local governments.
- Virginia supports expanding property tax exemption for select military spouses
A majority of Virginians supported a referendum expanding the state Constitution to provide real estate tax relief to surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty.
- Voters in several states support reducing property taxes
Voters in half a dozen states approved ballot issues aimed at lowering property taxes, but a measure in North Dakota that would have completely repealed the property tax proved to be a bridge too far. Ballot measures to cut taxes for some or all property owners passed in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, Virginia and […]
- Virginia General Fund Finishes the Fiscal Year 2022 with Surplus of Nearly $2 Billion
Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that Virginia ended the fiscal year 2022 with a $1.94 billion general fund revenue surplus. On a fiscal year-to-date basis, total revenue collections rose 16.3 percent, based on preliminary data.