Article Text
McLean-area lawmakers are urging residents to contact Gov. Abigail Spanberger before an April 13 deadline and ask her to veto legislation that could clear the way for a casino in Fairfax County.
“Now is the time, do not wait,” Del. Rip Sullivan (D-6) told roughly 100 people gathered March 31 for a General Assembly roundup at the McLean Community Center.
The bill, led by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), would allow a countywide referendum on whether to permit casino gaming in Fairfax. It is awaiting action from Spanberger, who must decide whether to sign or veto it by April 13.
Sullivan, an opponent of the proposal, told attendees that the governor needs to hear their views. Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) likewise encouraged friends, neighbors and constituents to contact Spanberger.
Boysko, whose district includes Reston, McLean, Great Falls and Herndon, said the referendum bill is the top issue she hears about from constituents.
The McLean Citizens Association has opposed making Fairfax County eligible to host a casino since legislation first emerged in 2024.
If Spanberger signs the bill and voters later approve a referendum, Comstock Companies hopes to include a casino in a larger entertainment development near the Spring Hill Metro station.
Although the audience did not appear unanimous, those who addressed the lawmakers voiced opposition, concern and frustration. One speaker questioned why the proposal’s chief legislative supporter was pursuing a casino near Tysons instead of in his own district in southeastern Fairfax County.
MCA President Camille White-Partain opened the forum by naming local and state officials who opposed the casino measure and urging residents to remember their positions at election time.
The bill has generated extensive lobbying on both sides. A group of labor unions rallied in support in late March, arguing that a casino would bring economic-development benefits. A coalition of civic organizations, including the MCA, opposes it, along with some Fairfax County supervisors.
Lawmakers Review a Busy Session
While the casino dominated much of the discussion, Sullivan and Boysko also addressed energy, health care and other work from the General Assembly’s 60-day session.
With Democrats holding the governor’s office and majorities in both legislative chambers, numerous party priorities advanced. Boysko called the session successful on many levels, while Sullivan described it as highly productive.
Spanberger now has about 1,200 bills to review. According to Sullivan, roughly one-third of the measures that passed faced no opposition, another third received some bipartisan backing and the remainder advanced mostly along party lines.
Sullivan’s 6th House District covers McLean and Great Falls but skirts Tysons, which lies just south of its boundary. Former state legislators Margaret “Margi” Vanderhye and Kathleen Murphy joined civic and community leaders in attending the forum.