Virginia Budget Passes: Data Centers Face $1.2B Energy Tax | Roanoke Valley's Morning News – June 23, 2026

Virginia's two-year state budget is heading to Governor Spanberger after passing both chambers Monday. The Senate voted 23-16 to keep data center tax breaks but require $1.2 billion in energy taxes — a compromise Senator Louise Lucas says achieves the right balance. The House followed 71-22. Roanoke County Delegate Joe McNamara opposed the $205 billion plan, arguing lawmakers missed a chance to cut the grocery tax for working Virginians. The budget includes $13 million for Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, $6 million for a new Patient Research Center, and nearly $2 million for Roanoke's Excel Center.Also: Orvis is relocating its Roanoke operations to 802 Kyle Ave. after nearly 40 years in the city. A Franklin County deputy faces involuntary manslaughter charges after a 2025 crash that killed a Rocky Mount man. Roanoke pauses its Raven gunshot sensor rollout after 16 devices were found installed at unapproved locations. And Flock license plate cameras are quietly spreading across Christiansburg.In sports: Lionel Messi breaks the all-time World Cup scoring record. The U.S. faces Turkiye Thursday night. NASCAR at Sonoma is postponed to July 5th.WFIR News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 | Roanoke, Virginia