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RICHMOND, Va. – Following an announcement by Governor Glenn Youngkin that he would veto any legislation related to skill games that might emerge from a special session, Freedom Virginia today urged legislators to instead focus on a fair tax reform package in the 2025 session with real solutions that would lower the burden on hardworking Virginians while investing in schools, housing and other community needs.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported on Friday that Youngkin said he would veto any skill game bill coming out of a potential special session in light of Pace-O-Matic’s decision to illegally operate these machines in multiple locations in Virginia.
“We agree with Governor Youngkin that there is no need for a special session on skill games, especially after Pace–O-Matic’s attempt to evade the law,” said Rhena Hicks, co-executive director of Freedom Virginia. “Predatory skill games are not a serious solution to funding the right priorities. Instead of engaging in more fruitless ‘skill games’ debate, the General Assembly should focus on real tax reform to invest in our schools and communities and make the ultra-wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share.”
Across Virginia, communities are in critical need of more funding for education, housing and child care. Last week, WVTF reported that $400 million that the commonwealth invested in child care to support parents and families this past legislative session has already run out. According to WVTF, Delegate Rodney Willett (D-Henrico) said about 10,000 families remain in need.
Before the General Assembly passed legislation to keep slots-like skill games out of Virginia, 70% of the machines were located in lower-income zip codes.
By more than a 2-1 margin, Virginia voters view skill games unfavorably. |
