Va. Lawmakers Block Youngkin’s Arena Proposal in Budget Cut
TL/DR –
Virginia lawmakers are set to remove plans for a new Wizards and Capitals arena from the state budget, hindering Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s efforts to bring the teams to Alexandria. Senate Finance and Appropriations Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas stated that the arena language will not be included in the budget compromise. The governor could attempt to resurrect the arena with a budget amendment or stand-alone bill, but this would require majority support from legislators in both chambers, which is viewed as a riskier proposition.
Virginia Lawmakers Block New Capitals and Wizards Arena
Virginia lawmakers are set to remove from the state budget plans for a new Wizards and Capitals arena, inhibiting Governor Glenn Youngkin’s plans to relocate the teams to Alexandria.
Senate Finance and Appropriations Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas confirmed Wednesday that the arena proposal will not feature in the upcoming budget compromise. The Chairwoman opposes the plan despite multiple attempts to persuade her otherwise.
Lucas recently tweeted a meme of herself by a grave marked “Youngkin and Leonsis’ $5 billion arena.” The actual cost of the project is estimated to be less than half this figure.
The governor can still propose a budget amendment or bill to resurrect the arena, which would then be voted on in a future legislative session. However, this would involve substantial risk as it requires majority support from legislators in both chambers.
House Appropriations Vice Chair Mark Sickles cited numerous concerns about the current proposal, stating, “It’s not ready for prime time… The consensus bill has not been developed yet for the arena.”
However, House Speaker Don L. Scott Jr. was not quite ready to pronounce the arena dead, saying, “It’s not final until it’s final.”
Youngkin has not specified how he would proceed if the arena proposal is left out of the budget. Despite the potential financial and logistical challenges, the governor views the arena as a lucrative opportunity for the state.
The proposed arena has faced opposition from various groups, including D.C. leaders, Alexandria residents concerned about traffic, and lawmakers who have expressed doubts about the financial implications.
Lucas, a chief skeptic, opposes the project due to concerns about the financial burden on the state and the idea of subsidizing a billionaire team owner.
Despite Lucas’s firm opposition, final negotiations are set to take place, with Lucas stating that she will not shift her stance on the issue.
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