Remember when Abigail Spanberger promised she’d work to eliminate Virginia’s car tax? “Virginians have heard from politicians year after year who vow to eliminate the most hated tax in Virginia, the car tax, only to see empty promises and gimmicks,” WSET her campaign said. She promised to be different.
She’s not different. She’s worse.
Democrats in Richmond just killed a bill that would have simply studied how to eliminate the car tax. Not the actual repeal—just a study. The proposed study, which bill sponsors say would cost taxpayers nothing, would look at how many tax dollars local governments receive from the car tax and propose ideas to localities if state lawmakers decide to actually axe the tax. wjla
The excuse from State Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton Roads)? “I think this still needs some additional study.” wjla That’s right—the study needs more study. This is what Democrat leadership looks like.
Even Democrat State Senator Dave Marsden (D-35th District, Fairfax) introduced the study bill, telling lawmakers, “Who knows what new ideas are out there until we put these folks to work? Because I think it’s been a while since we’ve looked into it.” wjla His own party killed it anyway.
Meanwhile, several dozen tax-increase bills filed by Democratic lawmakers Virginia Mercury are flying through Richmond. So Democrats have plenty of time to dream up new ways to tax you—on vehicle repairs, dry cleaning, dog grooming, concert tickets, and more—but zero interest in cutting the tax you hate most.
“Year after year, election time comes around, we talk about eliminating the car tax,” said Del. Joe McNamara (R-Roanoke County). “Year after year, after the election’s done, all the Republicans put forward bills to try to eliminate the dreaded car tax, and the Democrats kill those bills.” Virginia Mercury
Spanberger ran on affordability. Her party is delivering tax hikes and broken promises. Remember that in 2027 when these same Democrats ask for your vote again.