https://news.yahoo.com/leading-virginia-senate-democrat-deals-170149896.htmlMore detail at this link, including Senator Lucas saying that the deal is dead as far as she is concerned.
Lucas and Surovell also said legislators were not brought into the conversation about the deal early enough and questioned why it was put up for a vote before a legislative economic development commission that reviews proposed incentives just before outgoing lawmakers cycled off that panel.
Surovell said his caucus has concerns about whether the governor is truly willing to consider their priorities, including legislation to establish recreational cannabis sales and further increase the minimum wage, in negotiations over the legislation. Lucas is also seeking toll relief for the Hampton Roads region.
Asked if the deal was “dead,” Lucas responded bluntly: “As far as I'm concerned, it is.”
Lucas was asked if changes to the House version of the bill, which will cross over to the Senate for consideration assuming it clears a floor vote, could make the proposal palatable.
She answered by saying she had a strenuous objection to the project financing as currently envisioned because of its use of moral obligation bonds backed by the state and the city of Alexandria to backstop about a third of the financing. That means taxpayers could be on the hook if the project revenues don’t come through as expected.
“As long as the full faith and credit of this Commonwealth is backing this project, my answer continues to be an absolute no,” she said.
