Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she is not ruling out possible new taxes on certain everyday services, including gym memberships and streaming subscriptions, as lawmakers discuss future revenue options. In interviews reported by multiple outlets, Spanberger responds to questions about proposals to expand the state sales tax to additional categories of services. She does not give a definitive yes-or-no answer, instead saying any idea that seems “reasonable” and makes “some amount of sense” should be discussed, while emphasizing that whether she would sign any bill depends on the specific details and how a proposal is written.
The reports note that this comes amid interest in changing tax policy in Virginia to reflect an evolving economy. Earlier legislative efforts discussed in 2026 would have expanded sales tax coverage to services that are often exempt, including fitness-related purchases such as gym memberships and streaming/digital subscriptions, along with other nontraditional categories. One measure mentioned by outlets, HB978, would have added sales taxes to fitness memberships and athletic clubs, but it did not pass before the General Assembly adjourned in March.
Spanberger’s comments are presented as indicating openness to negotiations, while no new legislation has been enacted based on these remarks.
