RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Aging school buildings across Virginia could soon see new investment after lawmakers in the House of Delegates approved legislation allowing local governments to raise additional funds for school construction and renovations — but only with voter approval.
On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the House passed a bill that would permit cities and counties to impose an additional 1% sales tax if residents approve the measure through a local referendum. Revenue generated from the tax would be dedicated exclusively to repairing, renovating, or rebuilding public school facilities.
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Supporters of the bill argue the measure is urgently needed as many school buildings across the Commonwealth continue to deteriorate.
“We have schools that are over 100 years old, even, and what we’re worried about, the health of the student, not only mold and crumbling situations, but just the impact that it has, sitting in that classroom all day. We need to be able to do more to help localities that want to help themselves,” said Delegate Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke), the bill’s sponsor.
According to a 2021 state report, more than half of Virginia’s public schools are over 50 years old. Replacing those facilities alone would cost nearly $25 billion, a price tag that many local governments say is impossible to manage without additional revenue options.
Rasoul emphasized that the proposal does not mandate a tax increase, instead placing the decision directly in the hands of voters.
“We have to allow for localities to do this, so it’s permissive, the voters are the ones that actually make the decision,” Rasoul said.
Opposition to the bill largely comes from Republican lawmakers who argue that school construction should be funded without increasing taxes on residents. Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle (R-Hanover) pointed to alternative funding streams already in use.
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“We’ve been able to take money from casino operations and, over a three-year period, put almost $500 million, that’s half-a-billion dollars, towards school construction. That’s the way we tackle the problem, not raising taxes on Virginians,” McDougle told 8News.
The legislation has a complicated history. Similar versions of the bill have passed the General Assembly in previous years but were vetoed by former Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Now, with Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger in office, the bill may face a different outcome. In a statement, a spokesperson for the governor signaled support for giving communities more control over school funding decisions.
“Governor Spanberger has heard from local leaders across Virginia — but particularly in rural communities — about the importance of this legislation that has previously passed out of the General Assembly with broad, bipartisan support,” the statement read. “These leaders, Virginia parents, and community members know the needs of their communities best. The Governor believes Virginia voters should have the authority to make decisions that set their students and schools up for success — including the choice whether or not to make new investments in local public schools.”
If the bill clears the Senate and is signed into law, Virginia localities could begin placing the sales tax question on ballots, potentially reshaping how school construction is funded statewide.
Originally reported by Tyler Englander in WRIC.
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