“A Sweetheart Deal Since 2008” The Data Center Backlash
News Clip0:42Virginia Insider | News & Opinion·Richmond, Richmond City County, VA·5/22/2026
Virginia is facing a potential government shutdown due to a budget standoff over nearly $2 billion in annual tax breaks for data centers. Senate Democrats, led by Louise Lucas, advocate for ending these exemptions to alleviate the burden on ratepayers. However, Governor Spanberger and House Democrats want to maintain the tax breaks to uphold commitments and protect jobs, amidst concerns over rising electricity bills for Virginians.
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Gov: Virginia Senate Democrats, Governor Spanberger, Virginia House Democrats, Louise Lucas
With just 39 days until Virginia’s first-ever government shutdown, Democrats in Richmond still haven’t passed a budget.
The core fight? Nearly $2 BILLION in annual tax breaks for data centers. Senate Democrats led by
Louise Lucas want to end the exemptions to ease the burden on ratepayers. Governor Spanberger and House Democrats want to keep them to honor commitments and protect jobs.
While Virginians face higher electricity bills to support Big Tech infrastructure, lawmakers have prioritized other issues — leaving core funding for schools, police, and services in limbo.
This is their ONE JOB. Six months into Spanberger’s term, and chaos reigns in Richmond.
Should the 2008 data center deal stand through 2035? Or is it time for them to pay more?
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