Episode Details

Virginia lawmakers pulled off a last-minute budget deal just before the new fiscal year began, delivering major wins on infrastructure, education, and social policy. A key compromise preserved existing data center tax breaks while introducing a new electricity tax capped at $600 million annually—with excess refunded. The package funds construction of an inland port in Washington County, expands Virginia Tech Carilion’s medical school, and boosts healthcare workforce programs statewide. Retail cannabis sales are now officially scheduled to launch in July 2027. Transportation upgrades include tolling options for I-81 with guaranteed free lanes, and $7 million for U.S. 460 in Southwest Virginia. Higher education partnerships and a statue honoring late Judge Onzlee Ware in Roanoke round out a budget packed with diverse priorities across the Commonwealth.

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