OPINION:
One need only look at the 4% “meal tax” implemented in Fairfax County, Virginia, that began Jan. 1 to see what the Democrats consider affordability.
When the tax was put to the voters, it was rejected twice — even in deep-blue Fairfax County. Not to be deterred, as soon as both houses in Richmond came under Democratic control a few years back, the decision came down that voter approval was no longer needed for the tax and the decision would be made by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
The board voted 9-1 to add a 4% meal tax on top of the 6% sales tax.
This “meal tax” should be called the “Affordability Act of 2026: Democrat Style.” So much for the voice of the people (voters) when Democrats control both houses and now the governor’s office and that of the attorney general. Stand by, Virginia, you are about to get what you voted for: more tax-and-spend policies.
Newly installed Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s first executive order was to “identify immediate ways to reduce living expenses for families in Virginia — looking at housing, health care, energy, education, child care, and groceries — with agencies required to submit actionable plans within 90 days.”
Not a word about the “meal tax” or how Ms. Spanberger plans to reduce spending or the burden on Virginia taxpayers. Instead, now with all three branches under Democratic control, one can expect even higher/more diverse taxes.
DUDLEY LOSSELYONG
Great Falls, Virginia
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