Stafford Advocates for Key Legislative Priorities at General Assembly

Local leaders are working to advance legislative priorities critical to Stafford County during the current Virginia General Assembly session. These initiatives aim to secure funding for education, address fiscal challenges stemming from tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and allow localities to raise funds for school construction through a voter referendum. However, a recent legislative setback underscores the challenges faced in Richmond.

Setback for Disabled Veterans Exemption Reimbursements

Senator Jeremy McPike’s SB 1312, which sought supplemental payments for localities heavily impacted by real estate tax exemptions for disabled veterans, has died in committee. On January 23, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted 7-6 to pass the bill indefinitely, effectively halting its progress this session.

The bill aimed to support communities like Stafford in maintaining essential services while accommodating a growing veteran population.

Fair Education Funding

Delegate Josh Cole’s HB 2164 proposes adjustments to the Local Composite Index (LCI) to account for tax-exempt property values. The measure would ensure education funding better reflects a locality’s true financial capacity. The bill was effectively defeated when the House Appropriations Subcommittee recommended laying it on the table on January 20, 2025, with an 8-0 vote. Alternative approaches, including budget amendments by Delegate Paul Milde and Senator Tara Durant, remain under consideration.

1% Sales Tax Referendum for School Construction

The county also supports SB 1307, which would allow localities to hold voter referendums to enact a 1% sales tax increase dedicated to school construction. The full Senate has passed the measure with a substantial majority. It now moves to the House, where it faces further scrutiny.

A similar bill passed both chambers last year but was vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Advocates are cautiously optimistic about its prospects this session.

As Stafford pushes for these legislative measures, the General Assembly approaches crossover, the session’s midpoint when each chamber must finalize and send its bills to the other chamber for review. This year, crossover falls on February 4, adding urgency for Stafford’s legislative team to gain traction on key bills.

The county also addressed concerns about panhandling regulations and roadway safety. A proposal from Delegate Milde would impose fines on exchanges between motorists and pedestrians in medians. While the majority of board members supported the measure as a public safety tool, Aquia Distirct Supervisor Monica Gary raised concerns about its potential impact on vulnerable populations.