The energy generation equipment and rocket ship motor manufacturers are expected to bring hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investment to Southside Virginia.
Elizabeth Beyer
Elizabeth Beyer is our Richmond-based state politics and government reporter.
Posted inPolitics
Bipartisan civility was the rule at Cardinal Way luncheon — but redistricting struck a nerve
The event brought together House Speaker Don Scott and House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore to talk about hot-button issues. The two agreed on much, but not on redistricting.
Posted inPolitics
Bar association says newly created judgeship was filled without its input
State Sen. Mark Obenshain of Rockingham County was admonished by the local bar association for not notifying it before the 26th Judicial District judgeship was created and filled.
Posted inPolitics
Republicans protested the number of tax bills introduced during the 2026 legislative session. Few passed the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.
Democrats hold a trifecta of power but axed most of the bills that could raise taxes or establish new taxes as they seek to alleviate the impact of the nationwide affordability crisis on Virginians.
Posted inPolitics
From artificial intelligence to zoos, here’s what happened to some of the key bills in Richmond
Here’s the status of some of the main pieces of legislation.
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The 2026 General Assembly session wraps with no budget, special session on the horizon
The legislature will reconvene April 23 to deal with the budget. Among the bills that passed on the final day: Cannabis sales legalized, “skill” games legalized, task force to study VMI established, collective bargaining for state employees authorized.
Posted inPolitics
Special session looks likely as the budget battle over data center tax exemptions continues
House Appropriations Chair and budget conferee Del. Luke Torian told reporters on Tuesday that the 11 conferees had not yet met regarding the budget.
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Virginia campaign reporting database corrected, still no answer to who bankrolled ‘Jim Crow’ mailer
The cost to print and mail campaign flyers statewide could cost tens of thousands of dollars, but the campaign finance report for the PAC responsible for the flyer is missing from the state database.
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‘Jim Crow’ mailer on redistricting sparks backlash; former Roanoke legislator incorrectly blamed for paying for flyer
Three different anti-redistricting groups had the same treasurer. Former Del. William Fralin, who donated to one of them, was incorrectly listed as a donor to the group that sent out the controversial mailer. His group has now parted ways with the treasurer, but it’s unclear who did pay for the mailer.
Posted inPolitics
To end data center tax incentives early or not — is that the question holding up the budget?
The 11-person conference committee will need to smooth over differences in budget proposals between the two chambers within the coming days.