The Monumental Sports move to Virginia appears dead for now, as the Virginia Senate plans to strip language for the new arena in the budget planned to be released Thursday afternoon.
Senate Finance and Appropriations Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas told WaPo Wednesday of the change, which, for now, blocks Gov. Glenn Youngkin and owner Ted Leonsis’ plans to bring the Caps and Wizards to Alexandria.
“They’ve twisted my arm, they’ve bent my ears, and I still told them, ‘No,’” Lucas told the Post.
Lucas has been a big opponent of the project since its announcement almost three months ago, and in face, tweeted a meme of herself mocking the demise of the idea. Bill language to create a sports authority had passed the Virginia House of Delegates last month, but House Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Mark Sickles, who represents Fairfax and is one of the budget negotiators, told WaPo the proposal was ‘not ready for prime time.’
Now, unless something changes before the legislative session ends Saturday, Gov. Youngkin would have to create a budget amendment or a stand-alone bill to continue the discussion, which the legislature would vote on in a future session; the Governor could call a special session at any time, or wait until the legislature reconvenes on April 17.