Virginia Gov. Spanberger Signs Affordability Bills

In Richmond, Virginia, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a series of bipartisan bills into law on Thursday aimed at reducing the high costs of housing, healthcare, and utilities for residents, even as she faces sharp criticism over an upcoming referendum to redraw the state's congressional districts and polls showing her approval rating at a historic low early in her term.

Spanberger, a Democrat who took office in January 2026 after defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears, enacted measures that had strong legislative support, including unanimous passage in some cases. The new laws include incentives for localities to build affordable housing, such as streamlining approvals for developments and expanding grant programs for homeownership. On healthcare, the bills limit prior authorizations that delay patient care, expand telemedicine for high-risk pregnancies among Medicaid recipients, and establish a right to contraception. To address utility costs, the legislation requires major providers like Dominion Energy to offer demand flexibility programs, sets stricter emissions standards for data centers, and allows discounts for low-income customers on water and sewer services.