Legislation heading to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk could serve as a clear signal to Virginians about his priorities: whether the governor values substantial investment in school construction or prefers crafting catchy campaign slogans for his potential run for higher office.

Regrettably, as an ambitious politician, Youngkin seems to be prioritizing the latter. His focus on avoiding tax increases, especially in the context of his political aspirations, risks overshadowing more pressing needs, such as addressing Virginia’s aging school infrastructure.

Part of this stance may stem from Virginia’s unusual rule prohibiting governors from serving consecutive terms—a rule unique to the state since Kentucky changed its law in 1992. But while the political clock is ticking for Youngkin, the state’s school system continues to crumble.

The legislation in question, Senate Bill 1307, has already passed both the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill would allow localities across Virginia to implement a 1% sales tax for new school construction, provided voters approve it in a referendum. At present, only nine localities enjoy this option, but the rest of Virginia is left to seek approval for such a tax.

One can’t help but wonder why some counties, like Charlotte, Gloucester, Halifax, and others, were granted this tax option before Youngkin became governor, while the rest of the state must now lobby for it. It highlights an odd timing quirk in how localities are allowed to fund crucial construction projects.

The need for more school funding is undeniable. According to a 2021 Commission on School Construction and Modernization report, the cost to renovate public K-12 schools, many of which are over 50 years old, amounts to $25 billion. Over 1,000 public schools in Virginia are in dire need of repairs.

While localities have the authority to raise real estate tax rates, the funds from that source are typically limited to covering basic services. The real challenge lies in financing expensive capital projects, such as rebuilding schools.

As Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, and a member of the modernization panel, noted, “There’s nothing more popular than rebuilding some of these crumbling schools.” She also acknowledged that localities are often constrained by bonding limits when attempting to raise the real estate tax rate to fund such projects.

Pulaski County is among those seeking help with school renovations. As reported by my colleague Nathaniel Cline, Pulaski faces high inflation, rising interest rates, and escalating construction costs. The county administrator stated that they’ve reached their real estate tax ceiling.

Senator Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, who sponsored the bill, has stated that the state’s current funds for school construction are insufficient to address the enormous backlog. Many localities, whether Democrat or Republican-led, have been pushing for this sales tax option as a new tool to help fund these critical projects.

Governor Youngkin, who has been speculated as a possible candidate for U.S. Senate or even vice president after his unexpected win in 2021, faces a tough decision. Virginia governors often begin plotting their next political move soon after taking office, as the tenure is only four years.

This tendency may make it tempting for a governor to delay difficult decisions, especially those that could cost them political capital. Why fix a long-term issue now when one could leave it for the next administration?

Youngkin has championed tax cuts during his time as governor, but when it comes to approving tax hikes for localities in need of funding, he has been less inclined to act. Although he proposed a digital tax in 2024, he swiftly criticized the version put forward by the Democratic-controlled Assembly, and it was eventually removed from the budget.

Larry Sabato, a political analyst at the University of Virginia, commented on Youngkin’s stance: “In the Trump Republican Party, raising taxes of any sort is a scarlet letter...Even though the tax here is relatively minor and only goes into effect if the people in the locality approve it, Youngkin’s future opponents will say, ‘He raised taxes!’ Think of the TV ads.”

Youngkin’s office has not responded to requests for comment about whether the governor plans to sign the bill. However, when he vetoed similar legislation last year, he claimed it would result in a nearly $1.5 billion tax increase if every locality imposed the surcharge. Yet, this figure was misleading, as it reflected the total tax increase if every locality participated, not the actual impact on Virginia as a whole.

Last year, Youngkin also noted the state budget’s increases for loans and grants aimed at school construction. However, those increases were still far from meeting the actual need.

It’s time for Youngkin to make the right call. He should approve this tax increase for school construction, putting the future of Virginia’s schools before his own political ambitions. This is a rare opportunity for real change, and it’s one he should seize, putting the well-being of Virginians above the pursuit of his next office.

Originally reported by Roger Chesley in Virginia Mercury.