Dems put pressure on Youngkin to sign bill stripping certain confederate organizations of their tax-exempt status

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Democrats are putting pressure on Gov. Glenn Youngkin to end tax breaks for Confederate groups.

“I think it’s time for the Governor to sign this bill as is and continue to move the Commonwealth forward,” Delegate Alex Askew (D-Virginia Beach) told 8News. 

Askew is urging Youngkin to sign his bill that would strip certain confederate organizations,  like the United Daughters of the Confederacy, of the tax-exempt status they currently receive. 

“I think this piece of legislation moves us forward and removes these tax exemptions for organizations that continue to push lost cause narratives or have in the past and supported groups like the Ku Klux Klan,” Askew said.

The pressure comes after lawmakers rejected Youngkin’s proposed amendments to the bill that would have required the General Assembly to pass the bill again next year for it to become law. 

“I do think it’s important to really know our history and know that we were the former capital of the Confederacy, but I don’t think it needs to be celebrated, I don’t think it needs to be rewarded,” Askew said.

Youngkin vetoed similar legislation last year, saying many organizations receive tax exemptions and “narrowly targeting specific organizations to gain or lose such tax exemptions sets an inappropriate precedent.”

In a statement posted on its website, the United Daughters of the Confederacy said, “Our tax-exempt status is rooted in our charitable contributions, educational initiatives, and historical preservation efforts. Any attempt to revoke it is not only unjust but also an act of targeted discrimination.” 

The statement added, “We reject any association with hate groups and stand firmly against discrimination in all forms.”

Youngkin has until May 2 to consider the bill.