FOR IMMEDIDATE RELEASE
Monday, June 22, 2026
Media Contact:
Nia Byas
Communications and Digital Director
Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus
| RICHMOND, V.A. – Today, the Senate of Virginia returned to Richmond for a special session to finalize and vote on the hard-fought 2026–2028 biennial budget, House Bill 30 (HB 30). After months of deliberations and negotiations, the Senate passed a bipartisan budget agreement with support from both Democratic and Republican members. This budget passed with a 23 vote, reflecting the steadfast leadership of Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Senator L. Louise Lucas, Senate finance conferees, and the dedication of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus. Their hard work has delivered meaningful investments for Virginians while ensuring major corporations, including data centers, pay their fair share. We heard the concerns of Virginians across the Commonwealth loud and clear, and we’re proud that this budget takes meaningful steps to address them. A key component of the budget agreement includes the data center consumption tax exemption. The data center consumption tax exemption is projected to generate approximately $1.2 billion in additional revenue during the biennium. This represents an important step toward ensuring that the economic benefits of Virginia’s growth are reinvested in the communities and families that call the Commonwealth home. Members of the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus have released the following statement: “Under the leadership of Senate Finance and Appropriations Chair Senator L. Louise Lucas, this budget ensures that data centers contribute more fairly to Virginia’s future. From housing and healthcare to education and economic development, we are confident that this budget makes meaningful investments and will strengthen communities across the Commonwealth. “Today’s bipartisan budget agreement reflects what Virginians have been asking for, a government that listens. A government that invests in their communities. One that holds powerful companies accountable. Throughout the budget negotiations, we’ve heard directly from constituents across the Commonwealth who demanded greater transparency and a budget that prioritizes working families. The Senate Democratic Caucus is proud to deliver on both.” Next Steps: The House of Delegates is expected to vote on the budget later today. If passed, the budget will then make its way to the desk of Governor Abigail Spanberger. Governor Spanberger will have seven days to review the legislation and decide whether to sign it, propose amendments, or issue vetoes.We will continue to provide updates as the budget moves through the final stages of the process. |
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