ICYMI: Governor Spanberger Unveils ‘Moving Virginia Forward’ Agenda With General Assembly Leadership to Make Virginia Stronger, Safer, & More Affordable

RICHMOND, VA - Earlier this week, Governor Abigail Spanberger and General Assembly leadership previewed their Moving Virginia Forward agenda for the 2027 session that will make Virginia stronger, safer, and more affordable by lowering costs for families, strengthening Virginia's public schools, protecting kids, supporting small businesses, and aggressively holding data centers accountable.

The plan builds on Governor Spanberger's Affordable Virginia Agenda and Virginia Democrats' work during the 2026 session to raise the minimum wage to $15, cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month, and make Virginia the first state in the South to create a statewide paid family and medical leave program.

Over the coming weeks, Governor Spanberger and General Assembly members will travel the Commonwealth to announce additional details of their 'Moving Virginia Forward' agenda.

Read below for coverage from across the Commonwealth of Governor Spanberger's focus on building a stronger, safer, and more affordable Commonwealth:

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Virginia Mercury: Spanberger, Va. Democrats pitch medical debt relief, data center limits for 2027

Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Virginia's top Democrats unveiled their 2027 legislative agenda Tuesday, proposing medical debt relief, limits on classroom screen time and tougher oversight of data centers and artificial intelligence as they seek to address rising costs for Virginia families.

Announced on the South Portico of the state Capitol in Richmond, the Moving Virginia Forward Agenda builds on Spanberger's first-year affordability initiatives while adding proposals to address workers, help small businesses and crack down on AI-generated child sexual abuse material.

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The lawmakers presented several data center proposals, including requirements for local approval of facilities using more than 25 megawatts, a ban on nondisclosure agreements with local officials and stronger oversight of cooling water use.

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Spanberger, Democrats outline ambitious 2027 agenda

Gov. Abigail Spanberger and General Assembly Democrats want to expand their efforts to make life more affordable for Virginians by tackling some of the biggest bills of all: unexpectedly large medical bills and the huge medical debts that drive so many into bankruptcy.

The governor and Democratic legislative leaders gathered on the steps of the Capitol Tuesday to sketch an agenda for the 2027 session that also includes tackling uses of artificial intelligence that expose kids to online smut and allow predators to target them.

It's an agenda that includes bills for tougher oversight of data centers, funding for affordable, high-quality childcare and expanded access for higher education and apprenticeships.

"Affordability remains the cornerstone of the work that we will be doing," Spanberger said.

FOX5 [Washington, DC]: Gov. Abigail Spanberger Unveils Moving Virginia Forward Agenda

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Commonwealth lawmakers previewing their next major legislative push today in Richmond. Democratic leaders unveiling what they're calling the "Moving Virginia Forward" agenda, focusing heavily on affordability and tech oversight.

The key proposals include a new medical debt forgiveness program, measures to expand housing, and a ban on using AI to set worker wages. The plan would also aim to crack down on data centers by outlining closed-door local approvals and non-disclosure agreements.

"Affordability remains the cornerstone of the work that we will be doing. These pillars remain the same: healthcare, energy, housing, because these are the three areas where Virginia's families have been hit the hardest in recent years," said Governor Spanberger.

8News [Richmond]: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, General Assembly leaders announce 'Moving Virginia Forward' plan

Governor Spanberger says that affordability will be the cornerstone of the General Assembly's work. That's an issue that's not just at the heart of Virginians, but with everyone across the country.

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At the top of that list, bringing down the cost of living and health care with debt forgiveness programs and solar energy investments. Also on the list is stronger schools to create a stronger workforce, supporting Virginia's small businesses and what the governor calls the highest standards for data centers in the country.

State Senator Scott Surovell also touched on the affordability issue, applauding the work already being done to address costs such as paid family and medical leave.

13 News Now [Norfolk]: Spanberger unveils legislative priorities for Virginia Democrats ahead of 2027 session

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"These proposals are the next step in our work to create a stronger, safer, and more affordable Commonwealth," Spanberger said.

The priorities include data centers, student safety, housing, health care, energy and workforce development.

On healthcare, Spanberger wants to create a program to forgive millions of dollars in medical debt for Virginians struggling with outstanding bills.

Her housing proposals include investing in strategies to build communities near existing public transportation. The goal is to create more walkable neighborhoods where residents can access work and everyday necessities without relying on a car.

"Walkable communities where you can get to work, get to the store and get home without having to spend half your paycheck on a car," Spanberger said.

ABC13 [Lynchburg]: Virginia Democrats lay out 2027 agenda targeting affordability and data centers

Virginia Democrats say they plan to focus on energy, housing and health care costs during the 2027 General Assembly session.

Gov. Abigail Spanberger outlined the priorities as part of what she calls the "Moving Virginia Forward Agenda." She said affordability is a cornerstone of the upcoming session and that high costs affect both family budgets and the state's ability to attract workers.

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