Impromptu data center protest TODAY 12:30PM outside Spanberger appearance
Governor Spanberger is going to be in Roanoke today, Monday the 27th, to sign legislation related to workforce training. This is short notice, it was only announced last night, but it is a fantastic opportunity to get push Spanberger to support ending the data center sales and use tax exemption. The Data Center Transparency Alliance like to get as many people to show up as possible.
The General Assembly is still deadlocked on the issue, with the House refusing to agree to the Senate's budget admendment to end the exemption. Governor Spanberger is in favor of keeping it in place, on the grounds that the state does not want to go back on agreements with companies that do business here. But that's nonsense. Laws and taxes and regulations change all the time. She is on the wrong side of this issue, with less than 25% of Virginians wanting the exemption to continue.
I know some people in this group dislike Spanberger. This is cross-partisan issue, however, and so in addition to not starting any partisan flame wars here, I would ask that folks who can show up tomorrow keep their messaging focused on the issues at hand: ending the tax exemption, stopping the Google data center, and (related to the bills being signed) the threats that AI poses to jobs and education.
The signing is at the Roanoke Higher Education Center, 12:30-2pm. If you can duck out for lunch even to be there briefly that would make a big statement. There's lots of space outside on the front parking side of the building, along Jordan Alley NW (Jefferson St. is on the back side). The Center is part of the Roanoke Higher Education Authority, which is a government entity (§ 23.1-3115 in the Authorities section of Virginia law), so there should be no issue with peacefully assembling on the grounds.
We hope you can make it out!
https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/04/26/governor-spanberger-sign-new-workforce-development-bill-roanoke/