Virginia Budget Crisis: Data Centers Get Tax Breaks While Locals Pay More

Virginia’s budget remains stalled as data centers dominate the debate. House Speaker Don Scott insists on honoring tax breaks for the industry, calling it protecting the “golden goose,” while Senate Democrats push to end exemptions for teacher raises and childcare. Senator Mark Warner breaks ranks, demanding the world’s richest companies pay their fair share for power and infrastructure. Uriah Kiser breaks down the latest from WVTF, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and WVIR on how data centers are driving massive power line projects like ValleyLink across central Virginia, competing for water resources, and impacting rural communities from Buckingham to Culpeper. Support Virginia Insider Become a Member →    / @virginiainsider   This episode highlights the tension between economic development promises and the real costs to Virginia residents — higher utility bills, water scarcity, farmland disruption, and delayed state services. With the new fiscal year approaching, the divide in Richmond could mean higher taxes or service cuts for everyday Virginians. Like, comment, and subscribe for more unfiltered Virginia politics coverage. Turn on notifications so you never miss an update on budgets, data centers, redistricting, and statewide issues. What do you think — should data centers keep their tax breaks? Drop your thoughts below. Follow Virginia Insider: • YouTube →    / @virginiainsider   • X → https://x.com/virginiainsider • Facebook →   / virginiainsider   • Rumble → https://rumble.com/c/c-7897060