Eastern Shore Times

Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights) issued a statement on June 4, 2024, regarding the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP).

"Despite significant work behind the scenes, it appears that Democratic leadership will not call legislators back to Richmond to reverse the recently adopted changes to VMSDEP. This failure to act essentially abandons veterans and Gold Star families who made significant plans based on a promise that has now been broken," Cherry stated.

Cherry emphasized that while adopting the budget last month was necessary, the changes to VMSDEP should not have been included in that process. "Changes to eligibility requirements—which very well may be needed to ensure the program’s long-term viability—should have been considered as a stand-alone bill after thorough study and public input," he added.

He further noted that the General Assembly is currently in special session and could return to address this issue. "It is incredibly disheartening to read reports that some Democratic legislators believe it is 'too hard' for delegates and senators to return to the Capitol during the summer. Fighting in a war is hard work. Missing a day of your vacation to take a few votes is easy. To claim anything else is quite frankly a middle finger to veterans and Gold Star families," Cherry remarked.

Cherry concluded by urging Democratic leaders, who implemented these rushed changes in the state budget, to request legislators return to Richmond before the end of the fiscal year to rectify what he described as a mistake.