Reston Legislators Detail Successes; Tackle Budget, Casino Tensions

RESTON, VA — State lawmakers representing Reston and Herndon gathered Wednesday evening at a legislative town hall to recap a high-velocity General Assembly session, marking their first year governing with Democrats in control of both houses of the legislature and the governor's office in Richmond.

Dels. Karen Keyes Gamarra (D-Reston) and Irene Shin (D-Herndon) joined state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Reston) to outline a series of legislative wins while addressing looming local concerns regarding a proposed casino in Tysons and the fiscal impact of data centers.

Shin described the presence of a Democratic governor as a "game changer" for the legislative process, noting that her office sent 20 of its 29 bills to the governor's desk.

"We want to make sure that we're putting forward bills that are going to help address the things that we campaigned on and deliver for our communities," she said.

Key accomplishments highlighted by the delegation include:

• Affordability: The establishment of a prescription drug affordability board to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies.
• Labor And Leave: Passage of a plan to raise the minimum wage by 2028 and the creation of a paid family medical leave program offering up to 12 weeks of care.
• Gun Violence Prevention: Passage of 25 "common sense" gun safety bills, including an assault weapons ban and safe storage requirements.
• Constitutional Amendments: Voters will decide in November on amendments regarding reproductive healthcare rights, marriage equality, and the restoration of voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The Data Center Dilemma

The three state legislators discussed the rapid expansion of data centers and their strain on the electrical grid. Keyes Gamarra championed House Bill 153, which requires greater transparency regarding data center water and electrical usage.

A major point of contention remains the "sales and use tax exemption" enjoyed by the industry. Shin noted that while the exemption cost the state roughly $2 million in 2013, it is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025.

"That is real money, and right now, that's money that we're leaving on the table," Shin said, suggesting those funds could otherwise cover school meals or healthcare subsidies.

Casino And Budget Next Steps

The mood shifted when discussions turned to the proposed Tysons casino. While the General Assembly sent SB756 to the governor's desk for signing, local leaders expressed skepticism over the benefits described by backers of the casino legislation.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 13, to sign, veto, or amend the bill that would give the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors the authority to put a casino referendum on a ballot.

Boysko encouraged constituents to write to the governor expressing opposition. "People in this area are fired up in a way that I've never seen," she said, adding that the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could ultimately choose not to hold the referendum.

Regarding the state budget, which remains in negotiation, Boysko expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached by the reconvene session on April 22. The primary friction point is a "difference of philosophies" between the House and Senate on funding mechanisms — specifically whether to leverage data center tax exemptions or a more general consumption tax.

Also See ...

• Surovell, Alcorn Clash Over Tysons Casino In TV Debate
• Reston Business Owner Praises Virginia Vape Enforcement Act
• Housing, Transit and Diversification Top County Priorities: Fairfax Board Chair Jeff McKay