Joshua Cole

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. 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.