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Today’s Sponsor: Fairfax County Jobs Coalition
Fairfax County is projecting a $300 million budget shortfall.
That’s why the Fairfax County Jobs Coalition, a group of unions and community groups, supports the proposed Entertainment District & Casino in Tysons Corner.
5,000 New Union Jobs
A world-class project featuring a high-end hotel, performing arts venue, restaurants, retail, and dedicated workforce housing.
Essential Revenue: A 2019 JLARC estimate of $155 million in state tax revenue— over $100 million annually for Fairfax County.—funding for teacher raises, public schools, and critical services.
VANSM
Stakeholders across the Commonwealth are asking Virginia leaders to keep “skill” games illegal. From police chiefs, faith leaders, educators, and problem gambling experts, they are united in opposing legalization.
Virginians understand the risk – 67% oppose legalizing these machines.
Warner and Kaine give big money to redistricting campaign
U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine each donated $100,000 to Virginians for Fair Elections, the campaign supporting the redistricting amendment.
Kaine’s contribution was made through his Common Ground PAC, and Warner’s contribution was made through his Forward Together PAC.
“We are deeply grateful to Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership and their commitment to this crucial effort,” said Keren Charles Dongo, Campaign Manager for Virginians for Fair Elections. “These six-figure investments are a clear signal that leaders at every level are stepping up to meet this moment. Their support strengthens our ability to reach voters, expand our organizing, and win in these final 26 days.”
The Democratic heavyweights have been showing up for the redistricting campaign.
Former President Barack Obama and Gov. Abigail Spanberger have cut ads for the campaign. Former Gov. Ralph Northam spoke at an event in its favor, and now Warner and Kaine are putting their money where their mouths are.
Election Day is April 21. Early voting has already started.
Clean Virginia says General Assembly failed Virginians
Clean Virginia, the Democratic megadonor group, said that the Democratic-controlled General Assembly failed Virginians in many areas during the legislative session.
“Lawmakers had a clear opportunity and mandate to hold powerful interests accountable and provide real relief to Virginians,” said Brennan Gilmore, executive director of Clean Virginia. “Instead, reforms to protect families and small businesses from subsidizing the massive energy demands of the world’s wealthiest corporations were left on the table, while other decisions will make energy bills even harder to afford.”
Clean Virginia criticized the legislature for failing to advance several bills, including:
Fair Share Energy Act (SB 339 / HB 658): These bills, carried by Senator Perry (D - SD 31) and Delegate Maldonado (D - HD 20), would have ensured that the costs of new energy infrastructure built to serve large industrial users are not shifted onto residential customers and small businesses. Senator Perry’s bill passed the Senate unanimously but died in the House.
Appalachian Power Customer Protection Act (SB 691 / HB 1075): These bills, carried by Senator Suetterlein (R - SD 4) and Delegate Rasoul (D - HD 38), would have strengthened oversight of Appalachian Power Company by ensuring its profit is determined fairly and protecting customers from paying for uneconomic decisions made by the utility.
No New Gas for Big Tech (SB 619 / HB 155): These bills, carried by Senator Srinivasan (D - SD 32) and Delegate Thomas (D - HD 21), would have required new large-load facilities to prove they will not increase electricity costs for households and small businesses, threaten grid reliability or conflict with Virginia’s clean energy goals before connecting to the power grid. Senator Srinivasan’s bill passed the Senate 23-16 but also died in the House.
Energy Bill Integrity Act (SB 761): This bill, carried by Senator Jones (D - SD 15), would have prevented regulated utility monopolies from charging customers for activities unrelated to providing electric service, such as political contributions, lobbying, luxury expenses and advertising.
Clean Campaigns Act (SB 584): This bill, carried by Senator Salim (D - SD 37), would have set reasonable contribution limits for the amount of money any entity may donate to any one candidate, and ban political contributions and independent expenditures from foreign-influenced corporations.
Power Without Politics Act (SB 502): This bill, carried by Senator Roem (D - SD 30), would have prohibited regulated utility monopolies from contributing to the political campaigns of the lawmakers who regulate them.
Clean Virginia is calling on Gov. Abigail Spanberger to use the veto session to change course.
”The General Assembly missed its chance to deliver real relief, and it’s up to Governor Spanberger to step in, reject policies that increase costs and push for solutions that reduce the immediate financial burden on households,” Gilmore said.
What a waste of money. Virginians for Fair Elections already has $30 Million and the opposition has next to nothing in comparison.