Taxpayer Watchdog Urges Governor Youngkin to Veto Wasteful Stadium Bill

For Immediate Release                                                                                           Contact: Abigail Graham:  (202) 417-7235

February 17, 2022                       

Washington, D.C. – The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) calls on Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) to veto a bill that would authorize the state to sell bonds to fund the creation of a new stadium for the Washington Commanders. This will inevitably lead to waste and put Virginia taxpayers on the hook for $1 billion.

In response, TPA Executive Director, Patrick Hedger, offered the following comment:

“With both chambers of the Virginia legislature having passed separate stadium bills, it now seems inevitable a singular bill will end up on the governor’s desk in the near future. Governor Youngkin campaigned on a platform that touted fiscal responsibility. Signing such a bill would be the opposite of responsible spending.

“A staggering 28 of 30 NFL stadiums required public subsidies for construction, renovation, or both. Notions spread by proponents of this bill claiming the project won’t cost the state a dime are wishful thinking. The proposed stadium has been described as a ‘mini city’ and carries a price tag of $3 billion, only $2 billion of which will be fronted by the Commanders. The rest will undoubtedly fall on taxpayers.

“Despite the optimism of economic development for Loudon or Prince William County, NFL stadium projects almost always fall short of their stated developmental goals. Virginia should not make the same mistake as others before them. There is an opportunity to avert this wasteful endeavor and save $1 billion. Governor Youngkin should swiftly veto this measure should it come to him for signature.”

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Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public through the research, analysis and dissemination of information on the government’s effects on the economy.