Virginia Budget Battle Intensifies

Virginia’s lawmakers are locked in a fierce budget showdown, with the House and Senate clashing over key priorities like data center tax breaks, recreational cannabis legalization, healthcare funding, and education raises. The House axed environmental rules for the data center exemption and added a cannabis market managed by the Department of Agriculture, while the Senate proposed a tiered impact fee and more targeted health funding. Both chambers are navigating complex federal mandates affecting SNAP and Medicaid, with the House pushing for Medicaid restoration and free clinics, and the Senate pledging major health investments—though details remain murky. On education, the House offers a 3% teacher raise and school construction funds, while the Senate aims for 4%. Housing initiatives also differ, with both sides backing low-income programs but diverging on homelessness support. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/7fa3b7f29da028f6