Virginia State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) wishes everyone a Happy Valentine's Day after speaking out against the so-called “Fairfax Casino Bill.”
Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-38) has been disciplined for speaking out against Senate Bill 982, Fairfax Casino bill. Boysko lost her positions as a budget conferee, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and member of the Rules Committee. Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell (D-34) is the chief patron of Senate Bill 982.
“To lose those leadership positions was a harsh penalty. But I do not regret standing up for our community,’ Boysko said in her online bulletin Friday evening, Feb.14. “Thousands of people have worked together to defeat the casino legislation, and I am proud to have led that effort. Sometimes, even members of the same party do not think as one. We must continue to work together to fight for our values.” Boysko testified against Surovell’s bill in a House sub-committee meant to pave the way for the casino gaming establishment.
SB982 died in a House Appropriations subcommittee on Wednesday, Feb. 12, “passed by for the day.” It would have authorized Fairfax County Board of Supervisors the right to call a referendum and for local voters to decide whether they wanted Fairfax County to be an eligible host locality for a casino establishment in Virginia. The bill slated a specific area in Tysons for the casino gaming establishment. Comstock Holding Cos. is pushing for the project development; however, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would, as the next step in following the process, issue a Request for Proposals and choose a plan before putting it to voters.
Boysko said, “I’ve heard from many friends far and near over the past few days.” Boysko added that she is “very proud” of her work in the positions from which she was removed and proud to have led the effort against the casino proposed for the Tyson’s area.
Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-36), Sen. Lamont Bagby (D-14), and Sen. Todd Pillion (R-6) co-sponsored SB-982.
According to Boysko, there are rumors that a bill leading to a casino could be brought back. “I will continue to fight against all efforts to bring a casino to or near District 38. Please continue to let your legislators know how you feel,” she said in her bulletin.
Surovell released a statement on X on Feb. 12, as patron of SB982 for the Tysons Entertainment District passed by for the day in the House Appropriations Committee. “With the Trump administration moving aggressively to eliminate jobs in Northern Virginia,” Surovell said he was disappointed that the bill did not advance “to bring thousands of union jobs to Fairfax County.” With thousands of federal jobs already lost and more economic harm on the horizon, Surovell said he looked forward to continued work with his partners on the Fairfax Delegation to the General Assembly and local Board of Supervisors to bring forward supportive policies “that offer relief and support for our citizens.”