Stafford County leaders are responding to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of SB1307, a bill that would have allowed counties and cities across Virginia to hold voter referendums on implementing a 1% local sales and use tax dedicated to public school construction and renovation projects.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29, Prince William, Stafford), sought to add Stafford County to the list of localities eligible to consider the tax through a ballot referendum. McPike criticized the governor’s decision on social media, calling it a move that blocks local communities from choosing how to fund needed school improvements.
Stafford County School Board Chair Maureen Siegmund said the veto is a setback for a school division facing substantial capital needs and funding gaps.
“We thank Senator McPike for his advocacy… We are deeply disappointed by this veto of Senate Bill 1307, which could have provided Stafford Schools with a dedicated source of revenue to support our extensive capital improvement needs,” Siegmund stated. “The bill would have allowed localities to determine whether or not they wanted the tax to help fund the schools, and that freedom was taken away.”
The veto comes as the School Board approved a $503.1 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes major investments in staff pay and 111 new positions—many of them required to meet state standards. Despite an increase in state funding, the division still faces an $18.3 million funding shortfall. Officials say an additional $5 million is being requested from the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, which will decide in the coming weeks how much of the school budget to fund.
According to county projections, SB1307 could have enabled the county to generate more than $20 million annually in new revenue for school construction, reducing reliance on property taxes.
Dr. Pamela Yeung, Garrisonville District Supervisor, emphasized the importance of finding alternative revenue streams for education funding.
“Stafford County schools would have a much-needed revenue stream to address aging infrastructure without solely relying on property taxes,” Yeung said. “I remain committed to advocating for solutions that ensure our students, teachers and staff have the resources they need.”
However, not all local representatives supported the bill.
Delegate Paul Milde (R-64, Stafford) praised Governor Youngkin’s decision, pointing to his opposition to a similar measure last year.
“While I supported a bill last year allowing only Stafford to have this option, extending it to all localities, regardless of need or circumstance, would effectively result in a statewide tax increase,” Milde said. “This is why Governor Youngkin vetoed this legislation last year, and why I am pleased he did so again this year.”
Senator Tara Durant (R-27, Stafford, Fredericksburg) also voiced opposition, framing the bill as fiscally irresponsible during a time of rising household costs.
“In the past four years, Virginia has made record investments in school construction,” Durant said. “Families can’t afford higher taxes—it’s time for our government to prioritize responsible budgeting.”
A final decision on the county budget is expected on April 22.
