The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes cover art

The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes

The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

Virginia's primary races are heating up, most notably the lieutenant governor's race. While the Republicans have a presumptive nominee, six Democratic candidates are vying for the post. WAMU's Northern Virginia Reporter Margaret Barthel broke down the lieutenant governor's race, as well as the Democratic candidates for attorney general. She also shared why the governor's race is also being closely watched.

Loudoun County has more data centers than anywhere else in the world, earning the county the nickname "Data Center Alley." Residents and elected officials have recently looked to limit data center construction. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted in March to eliminate by-right data center development. Vice Chair Michael Turner got behind the mic to explain what this means, how it impacts future development, and why the board felt it was necessary.

Plus, he weighed in on recent investigations into Loudoun County schools and the financial burden of the President visiting his Loudoun County golf club.

Montgomery County appears to be moving forward with a plan to nearly fully fund schools without raising taxes. Council President Kate Stewart explained how it will work and why it's a better solution than hiking the county's income or property tax. Plus, she weighed in on the recent Supreme Court case that looks likely to change school policy around allowing students to opt-out of lessons for religious reasons, as well as how the county is managing increased federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

What listeners say about The Politics Hour: The politics of data centers and funding schools without raising taxes

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.