RICHMOND, Va. (AP/WDBJ) – Work is complete on a compromise budget bill that the Virginia General Assembly will take up later this week, including a proposed move by the NBA's Washington Wizards and NHL's Washington Capitals to Alexandria. It does not contain any language that does. lawmakers said Thursday.
The development doesn't necessarily mean the end of Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's plan to attract teams from across the Potomac River in a $2 billion development with a new arena. But the proposal is a further blow to Yonkin, a top priority for him, who was scheduled to speak at a news conference at 1 p.m.
Democratic Rep. Luke Torian, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee and led the floor negotiations, confirmed that the arena-related provisions have been removed from the bill, which lawmakers plan to take up on Saturday.
Torian, who sponsored a standalone bill that failed earlier in the session, said he was “probably a little disappointed” that the language wasn't included in the budget.
“But that's the nature of trying to govern here in the Commonwealth,” he said.
The budget was the last remaining avenue to pass legislation supporting the deal after other standalone versions failed earlier this Congress. Once lawmakers send a budget proposal to the governor, the governor can request amendments to the budget, reinstate project language, or call a special legislative session on the issue.
Sen. Louise Lucas, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and the chamber's top budget negotiator, told reporters she was firmly opposed to the deal. He said concerns remain about the proposed funding structure and reliance on bonds backed by state and city governments.
Trian said the bill includes annual pay increases for teachers and other public employees and significant investments in core government services.
The text of the bill was not immediately available on the state's online information system.
Youngkin and Monumental Sports & Entertainment CEO and entrepreneur Ted Leonsis announced in December that they had reached an agreement to relocate the Capitals and Wizards.
The plan calls for $2 billion in development, funded in part by public funds, in Alexandria's Potomac Yard neighborhood, including an arena, practice facility and Monumental's headquarters, as well as a free-standing It will also include performing arts venues, all located just a few miles from Alexandria. Capital One Arena, where the team currently plays in Washington.
The Associated Press referred a request for comment to a representative from Monumental regarding the budget development.
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