Senator L Louise Lucas

Apathy does vote. And when we choose not to participate, we give up our say in the decisions that shape our future. Don’t give up your voice. It matters, and so does your vote. Take your souls to the polls, Virginia! #SoulsToThePolls #EarlyVoting #VirginiaVotes

Happy Homecoming! What a joy to be with the students, faculty, and alumni who make Norfolk State so special. The future is bright. #NSUHomecoming #norfolkstateuniversity

Virginians, your stories matter. And I want to hear yours. How are #datacenters affecting your communities? Share your story at MyDataCenterStory.com #va #datacenter

We had an informative discussion about the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger. I learned a lot, but I left with even more questions. And if I’ve got questions, I’m going to get answers. I plan to take mine directly to the Governor. The public has a need to know.

Think data center noise is exaggerated? Turn up the volume. I went to hear it for myself. That’s a data center behind me during this interview. In the middle of the day. Beside a playground. People aren’t asking for too much. They’re asking for some peace in their own neighborhoods.

Virginia is finally seeing movement on data centers. We still have a long way to go. My statement on the Governor’s announcement today:

Early voting starts TODAY in Virginia, and you know I was #1 in line. 🗳️ Vote like your life depends on it, because this is the most critical election of our time. Make your voice heard. VOTE.

25 years later, we remember. May the memory of September 11th continue to call us toward service, compassion, and unity. #NeverForget

I have learned if someone tries to keep their foot on your neck, stand up and keep going until they have to call you Madam Chair. I was told I’d never serve on Senate Finance. Now, I’m the first Black person to chair it and the first Black woman elected President pro tempore of the Virginia Senate.

I heard you, Virginia, loud and clear on our Data Center Listening Tour. You asked us to take these conversations beyond Richmond and into the communities living with these decisions. Today, I asked the committee to bring the conversation to you.

I welcome the DNC vote to give Virginia an early voice. From shipyards and farms to suburbs and cities, Virginia reflects America. Candidates must tell us how they stand up to Trump, restore democracy's guardrails and make data centers pay their fair share. My statement:

We’ve reached a point where the status quo cannot continue. I’ll keep fighting to end the data center sales and use tax exemption so this industry pays its fair share. Whatever course Virginia takes, the public deserves an open process. The question now isn’t whether Virginia should act. It’s how.

Virginia, we heard from parents, teachers, grandparents, farmers, and small business owners. Different backgrounds, one message: they want to be heard before decisions are made, not after. We’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep listening. Because there’s more power in the people than people in power.

Packed room in Danville tonight. When decisions shape our communities, they shouldn’t be made behind closed doors. Virginians deserve a seat at the table. I’ll keep listening. I’ll keep fighting. Where should we stop next?

Read the room. And if that's not enough, read the polls. 72% of Virginians oppose the data center tax giveaway, and 81% say the industry should pay its fair share. Check out the full episode of the POLITICO Energy podcast at: bit.ly/4gOHLMd Link in bio. @politico.com

Data centers are growing. Their profits are growing. And the burden on Virginia families is growing right along with them. That’s not a fair deal. That’s freeloading. We made progress this year. But I won’t stop fighting until data centers pay their fair share. #VAFairShare #DataCentersPayUp

America is celebrating 250 years of resilience and progress. Let’s reflect on how far we’ve come—and the work still ahead! 💙🤍 #250Years #USA #Virginia #ServiceAndLeadership #CommunityFirst #VA #SenatorLucas

Good morning Bluesky!