Episode 12: Sen. Russet Perry on Data Center Proliferation, the Fight to Protect Virginia Colleges from Trump, and Putting Lipstick on the Pig of the Republican Budget

Welcome to Episode 12 of Capitol Courage!! Can you also believe we’re almost a teenager?? Around the pod, we’re feeling really happy with the name we picked for this podcast — we see more and more people these days talk about the courage crisis in American politics, by which we mean that there’s simply not enough elected officials or policymakers with the courage necessary to meet this perilous moment in our country. We’re excited to continue growing this podcast with you all and highlight the courageous folks around the country, and those cowards who are failing this moment. This week’s episode brings us talks around some heroes — those fighting to keep Virginia colleges and universities free from the interference of the Trump administration, including Virginia Senate Democrats — and cowards, especially those who are trying to sell the dangerous and deadly Republican budget bill. And we’re thrilled to be joined this week by Virginia Sen. Russet Perry, who has been one of the General Assembly’s leaders in fighting the entirely unregulated proliferation of data centers in Virginia, impacting regular people’s backyards and wallets. As always, DM us with any suggestions on future fights to cover and find us on social @CapitolCourage on Twitter and @CapitolCouragePod on Instagram and TikTok.