Virginia Democrats Lay Out 2027 Agenda Targeting Affordability and Data Centers - WSET

Virginia families face mounting cost pressures as state leaders map out a legislative strategy centered on household expenses, utility bills, and rapid technological expansion.

Every conversation my Administration is having — whether about education, transportation, energy, housing, or healthcare — centers affordability for Virginians. High costs are top of mind in every community. That's why I prioritized getting my Affordable Virginia Agenda signed… https://t.co/lJKEEIPaYo

— Post by @GovernorVA on X

Abigail Spanberger outlined the priorities as part of the “Moving Virginia Forward Agenda,” WSET reported. Affordability serves as the cornerstone of the upcoming legislative package, with officials pointing to housing, health care, and energy costs as core threats to family budgets and economic competitiveness alike.

“Affordability is not only a family budget issue. It is an overall economic competitiveness issue. If the cost of living is too high it impacts where talented people choose to live and work,” Spanberger said.

The legislative agenda features proposals to expand solar power, lower electric rates, and make housing more accessible. Lawmakers also intend to target health care expenses by helping residents understand costs in advance, while navigating ongoing financial pressures originating at the federal level.

Beyond traditional economic pressures, state leaders plan to introduce significant transparency measures for data center developments. The push responds directly to public anxiety surrounding the rapid growth of artificial intelligence infrastructure across the commonwealth.

“So many of our fellow Virginians are understandably anxious about the future,” Spanberger said. “That’s why I recently unveiled the most comprehensive accountability framework for data centers and AI companies in the United States.”

Proposed reforms include banning nondisclosure agreements that currently prevent local officials from discussing projects during approval procedures. Lawmakers argue that communities require a greater voice before facilities secure final approval.

“Communities need a greater voice and these projects should not get approved without a citizen having the right to have their voices heard,” Spanberger told WSET.

The administration’s platform also addresses environmental protection and emerging labor practices tied to algorithmic tools. Officials plan to codify the Cooling Water Scarcity Act into Virginia law to safeguard local water resources in heavily impacted regions.

A1 DOMINANT 111126-rtd-met-spanberger — Photo: richmond.com

“We’re protecting our water, and that’s why it’s important to codify our Cooling Water Scarcity Act into Virginia law,” Spanberger said, adding that resource-drained regions require strict enforcement against noncompliant operators.

The framework extends into employment practices and child protection measures. State leaders intend to prohibit employers from using artificial intelligence and machine learning tools during salary negotiations.

“Accountability doesn’t stop at the data center door, because it is a shameful truth that some employers now use AI and salary negotiations, all in an attempt to guess the lowest number that someone looking for a job will accept. That’s why we are banning AI and machine learning tools from setting wages in Virginia, said Spanberger to WSET.”

Legislation will also target AI-generated child sexual abuse material, while holding the platforms and the people behind it accountable.

The General Assembly’s 2027 session begins Jan. 13 and is scheduled to last 45 days.