by Virginia Grace McKinnon

The Virginia House of Delegates has just released the final of its 2026 budget. Democrats, who are buried in a war over data centers and have lifted marijuana restrictions as well as given themselves a 150% raise, also want to spend millions of dollars on DEI tourism.

Virginia legislators have been busy preparing the budget for 2026. The Democrat-controlled Legislature, after months of negotiating with the governor and state Senate, released their budget proposal on Friday night, 100 days behind schedule.

In the 600-page proposal that cost taxpayers $50,000, there is a provision on marketing to encourage non-whites to visit Virginia.

The item , titled, “Establish an Indigenous, Black, and Hispanic Communities Marketing Campaign,” is aimed at spending $4 million on a marketing campaign that will attract visitors from these minority communities.

The bill allocates $2 million for fiscal years 2026-2027, and $2 million for fiscal years 2027-2028. The money would come from the Virginia Tourism Authority’s general fund if the bill is passed. The agency will launch an advertising campaign to attract travelers from the black, Indigenous and Hispanic community to Virginia.

Del. The Daily Signal quoted Republican Anne Ferrell Tata as representing Virginia Beach.

She continued, “Virginia Beach is open to all and an invitation campaign for potential visitors would be more effective.”

In an earlier version, the lawmakers had proposed $1.5million per year. Democrats increased spending instead of reconsidering the fairness and effectiveness of the campaign.

This budget of $214.1 billion, which spans two years, shows a spending trend. It is also an increase in $26 billion compared to the time when Republicans controlled state government from 2024-2026.

Virginia’s official tourism marketing campaign is called “Virginia Is for Lovers.”

The budget for the next two years does not only include a tourism push by DEI. The Democrats also want to give $1,000,000 to an event management company planning to open a museum for black women.

The Museum of Black Women Innovators has been a few weeks behind schedule in opening, but according to their website, they plan to open as soon as possible while “raising funds.”

In the budget, it is stated that “This amendment will provide $1,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2027 to support the Museum of Black Women Innovators.”

Virginia Grace McKinnon works as a journalism fellow at the Daily Signal. This column was republished by the Daily Signal with their permission.