Gov. Abigail Spanberger vetoed a controversial Tysons Corner casino bill on Thursday. The legislation would have required the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to call a referendum vote on a casino regardless of the Board’s opposition.
Spanberger said the bill would set a precedent against local decision-making on gambling.
“Local governing boards should lead on proposed casino development, as has happened in every locality that now has a casino,” Spanberger said in a release. “But in Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors has explicitly opposed this legislation, and an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly members who represent Fairfax voted against it.”
She also reiterated her assertion that Virginia needs a statewide independent gambling commission to regulate the industry. “A unified regulatory structure is essential to ensuring transparency, accountability, safety, and public confidence,” she said.
Minimum Wage Legislation
Also on Thursday, the governor signed into law legislation to incrementally increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.
The current minimum wage is $12.77. It will increase to $13.75 per hour in January 2027, and then to $15 per hour in January 2028. These adjustments are intended to reflect increases in the consumer price index.
“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures. I am signing legislation to support the men and women who power our economy, including so many of the people who keep our agriculture industry strong — and we were proud to work with the Virginia Farm Bureau to strike a balance to protect farm workers and our vital farming industry.”
A similar bill to increase the minimum wage was vetoed by former Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024.
Feature image courtesy Virginia Office of Governor
