The Politics Hour: Virginia weighs ending data center tax breaks and Prince George’s aims to block ICE facility

Virginia state lawmakers are considering eliminating a billion-dollar data center tax break to help balance the budget. This comes as local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, continue to debate restrictions amid plans for more data centers.  Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who sits on the senate finance committee and represents Fairfax County, joined the show from Richmond to discuss lawmakers' latest proposal. Plus, she explained her opposition to Fairfax County casino legislation, which is currently moving through the Virginia House of Delegates.D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb issued a legal opinion this week Congress missed its deadline to block D.C.'s tax code changes, meaning the District can move forward with its current rates. The Attorney General's legal opinion could set up a dramatic confrontation between Congress and the city over its ability to self-govern. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma broke down what's going on and what could happen next. Plus, Alex gives us the latest on the wild election season in the District, including races for Mayor and for two at-large council seats.Prince George's County leaders are pushing legislation to prevent the federal government from placing a detention facility in the county. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is planning a detention center in Hyattsville. Prince George's County Chair Krystal Oriadha joined the show to discuss what authority the county has to stop the federal facility. Plus, what does a slew of appointments on the Prince George's County Council mean for its future?Send us questions and comments for guests: [email protected] us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org