Arena Deal Fallout Continues to Make Waves: Capitals and Wizards owner Ted Leonsis officially ended speculation about a Virginia arena this week by signing a new deal with Washington, DC, but the fallout from Governor Youngkin’s ambitious proposal continues to make news.  Local Patch reporter Michael O’Connell broke news that the potential arena developer, JBG Smith, implied political favoritism was at work behind the scenes.

Youngkin Vetos Wishlist: The acrimony between Governor Youngkin and the Democrat controlled legislature remains high.  Governor Youngkin signed 67 bills but vetoed 52, as noted by The Fairfax Times.  The vetoed bills included high priorities for Virginia Democrats to legalize marijuana sales, add new gun restrictions, and increase the minimum wage.  The General Assembly will have to reconvene for a special session in April to work out a budget after Governor Youngkin rejected the Democrat proposal which included massive tax increases for Virginians.

Fairfax County Board Prepares to Raise Taxes: Locally, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will be holding public hearings on their proposed tax increases to fund the increased spending from our public schools.  Local news station WJLA recently reported on the huge salary disparities between FCPS administration and classroom teachers.   On March 6, The Connection noted that Pat Herrity, our lone Republican on the Board, criticized the never-ending demands for increased spending and taxes from the Democrat majority, while county staff raise concerns about transportation funding, as covered by The Fairfax Times.

We encourage you to sign up to testify at one of the upcoming public hearings and let the Board know how you feel about their plans to raise your taxes!

Find info on the public hearings schedule and sign up to speak at Fairfaxcounty.gov/budget/public-hearings.