
Bipartisan civility was the rule at Cardinal Way luncheon — but redistricting struck a nerve
News ClipCardinal News·Roanoke County, VA·4/6/2026
Virginia General Assembly leaders, Don Scott and Terry Kilgore, discussed data center tax subsidies during a Cardinal News luncheon, largely agreeing on their local economic benefits while acknowledging environmental concerns. The state Senate proposed ending a data center tax exemption early, creating a budget gap with the House, but both leaders emphasized finding a consensus that balances economic growth with community contributions and environmental impact.
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Gov: Virginia General Assembly, House of Delegates, state Senate, Portsmouth, Scott County, Prince William County, Montgomery County, Botetourt County, Fairfax County, Data Center Coalition
Virginia's General Assembly leaders, House Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) and Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R-Scott County), engaged in a bipartisan discussion at Cardinal News' third annual Cardinal Way luncheon in Roanoke. While their exchange remained largely cordial on various state issues, including affordability and school infrastructure, it turned partisan only when discussing redistricting.
A central point of agreement, however, was the debate over data center tax subsidies. Kilgore highlighted the