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Make Your Voice Count: Things to Consider Before Voting in the Upcoming Primary

  • Jun 21
  • 3 min read

Consider candidates’ positions on Gun Safety Regulation before voting in the August Primaries.


Consider Candidates’ Positions on this Budget Decision: Should Virginia Continue or Should We Phase Out Data Center Sales and Tax Incentives?

Virginia lawmakers have struggled to reach an agreement before the July 1st budget deadline, disagreeing over whether data center tax incentives should be included in the new budget. As of June 9, 2026, disagreements over data center tax incentives continued to impede resolution in the state budget negotiations. Virginia has a balanced-budget requirement, so every spending decision carries trade-offs, and, at least until this C&E went to print, the issue remained contentious among Democrats; many see the benefits of such tax breaks very differently. On one side are lawmakers who argue Virginia should scale back data center tax incentives and redirect revenue toward public investments. On the other side are officials concerned about maintaining Virginia's reputation as a business-friendly state and honoring commitments previously made to companies that invested in the Commonwealth. Notably, though, the 2024 Report to the Governor and General Assembly states that, “Rather than choosing between economic benefits or reduced energy impacts, the exemption could be changed to try to balance these competing impacts. The General Assembly could allow the full exemption to expire in 2035 (or end it before then).” 2024 Report. Clearly, these Memorandums of Understanding are written with the understanding that they are subject to change over time.


While the budget decision may have been resolved by the time this C&E reaches you, it is still important to understand what has been happening during this year’s budget negotiations. You may want to find out where your local delegate stands on data center tax breaks and share your perspective with them. 


Why it matters: Virginia is constitutionally required to maintain a balanced budget. Thus, without passing a budget before July 1, 2026, we will not be able to fund existing commitments such as education and road repairs, and we will also be unable to fill some of the gaps created by new federal spending cuts to programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is essential that the General Assembly pass a budget before July 1st. Nonetheless, it is important that the final budget works for Virginia's residents, not just businesses.


The majority of Virginians recognize a slew of concerns stemming from the massive increase in data centers' resource consumption, coupled with the 24/7 noise pollution they impose on nearby communities; citizens are also questioning the land-use choices made to accommodate the mega campuses. A majority of Virginians (as well as folks in other states) have come to realize that any benefits from jobs and/or property tax revenue generated by data centers are far outweighed by the combined negatives they bring to a locality: a massive drain on energy and water resources, serious air and noise pollution, and exacerbated warming resulting from creating suburban “heat islands.” 


Critics contend that the state is forgoing significant revenue through tax exemptions; by some estimates, the sales and tax incentives add up to billions of dollars! This money could be better used to fund education, healthcare, and other public services during the upcoming budget cycle.


Watch the news and social media for updates on the Virginia budget negotiations. A budget may have already been passed by the time this C&E reaches you; if not, hopefully the General Assembly will be able to come to terms soon, certainly before the July 1, 2026, deadline.  Regardless of how a budget compromise is reached, data center proliferation will likely remain a concern at both the local and national levels for the foreseeable future.


If you would like to read more about how data center growth is impacting Virginia, and/or about how this issue is impacting budget negotiations, read any or all of the articles linked below:


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