Eastern Shore Times

Despite being a few days late, I wanted to make sure I had an opportunity to send my regular end-of-the-month e-newsletter. Quite a bit happened during the month of June that I wanted to update you on. I hope that you continue to find these messages both helpful and informative.

Since the state adopted its budget on May 13th, there has been a fair amount of backlash aimed at changes to the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). This program has been in existence in some form since the 1930s and generally provides funding for wounded veterans and their dependents—as well as the dependents of active duty personnel killed in action—to obtain an education at a public Virginia college or university.

Due to concerns about the long-term financial viability of the program, the budget included language that significantly altered the eligibility criteria for VMSDEP. Unfortunately, the rushed language also negatively impacted a similar program that provided tuition for the children of first responders killed in the line of duty. The General Assembly should not have rushed changes to this program by adopting changes through the state budget rather than through the normal legislative process complete with public input.

Despite our political differences, I commend Speaker Don Scott for his work in ensuring the House had the opportunity to tackle this issue in a fair manner. The House on June 28th unanimously adopted HB 6003 to repeal our recent changes to VMSDEP. Things haven’t been as straightforward in the Senate, however. Twice now, the Senate has met in Richmond without adopting legislation to fix and restore VMSDEP. At their July 1 meeting, they had the opportunity to adopt HB 6003—a bill that the Governor could have signed into law on that very same day—yet failed even to bring it up for a vote by making a last-minute claim that it was unconstitutional. This bill is co-sponsored by a majority of legislators in both chambers, making it clear that it does indeed have the necessary votes for passage. I am incredibly disappointed that politics continues to win out in the Senate.

I continue working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a workable solution that protects this vital program. I will keep you updated on any developments.

Bills passed during this year's regular legislative session and signed by the Governor will become law on July 1st unless otherwise specified within each bill's language. As such, numerous new laws are now effective.

The Division of Legislative Services (DLS), nonpartisan staff attorneys employed by the General Assembly, regularly produce a publication entitled “In Due Course” covering various new laws impacting Virginians. This document is highly informative for those interested in understanding new laws' specifics.

You can read the 2024 edition of “In Due Course” here.

Earlier this month, I sent out a special e-newsletter detailing Virginia’s decoupling from California’s emissions standards. In short, under a 2021 law pairing Virginia’s standards with California’s standards, all new cars model year 2035 or later would have needed to be electric. That law specifically required our state to adhere to California’s “Advanced Clean Cars I” plan. Because California recently updated their plan to “Advanced Clean Cars II,” Virginia will no longer follow California's emission standards.

This represents a significant change for Virginia consumers who felt California rules should not govern Virginia emission standards. I commend both Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares for their efforts on this matter.

For more detailed information regarding this issue, you can view my special update here.

Believe it or not, legislators are already preparing for next year's legislative session! During summer months, we research different policy initiatives and attend conferences focused on specific issues.

In June, I hosted an informal roundtable discussion with healthcare leaders, law enforcement officials, and government representatives discussing our broken ECO/TDO process (Emergency Custody Order/Temporary Detention Order). Currently, when an individual experiencing a mental health crisis is ordered temporarily committed by a judge they are taken by law enforcement officers who then must stay at hospitals guarding patients instead of serving their communities due partly due lack patient beds available leading treating individuals like criminals needing serious medical attention productive roundtable confident workable policy solution January

I am continuing meetings constituents across district drafting bills positively impacting community particularly interested fighting human trafficking supporting law enforcement campaign finance reform

Additionally legislation working various boards commissions reviewing policy proposals making recommendations full General Assembly serve number boards commissions fully participate process preparing next regular legislative session

Progress being made Fall Line Trail connecting Ashland Petersburg passing Chesterfield Colonial Heights significant recreational venue walking running biking

Constituents expressed concern routing trail encouraged VDOT hold ample public meetings ensure questions addressed answered pleased taking request enhanced public input seriously recently held public meeting area headquarters South Chesterfield

If wish submit comments regarding Fall Line Trail click here Alternatively email FallLine@vdot virginia gov

If questions concerns feel addressed properly let know ensure receive clear answer

June warm month enjoyed district beautiful state

On June Tri City Chili Peppers made history hosting world first cosmic baseball game Colonial Heights team garnered national recognition unique game play hope chance catch games

Every summer several hundred young women across state including th House district travel Longwood University participate Virginia Girls State Hosted American Legion Auxiliary civic program teaches rising seniors about state local government importance engaging community pleased invite speak future leaders excellent questions!

General Assembly known citizen legislature meaning jobs outside official duties colleague Otto Wachsmann pharmacist organized visit several Tri City legislators Hopewell Drug independently owned pharmacy learn challenges facing small businesses pharmacies whole wrapping hope enjoyable Independence Day celebrating holiday parades fireworks remains honor represent House Delegates assist family state related issue please let know

Sincerely,

Mike Cherry

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