Eastern Shore Times

The General Assembly in Richmond has concluded its 46-day legislative session, adjourning sine die after completing its work on Saturday evening. Legislators will reconvene on April 2nd to consider amendments made by the Governor to bills, including the state budget bill, and potentially override any vetoes. No new legislation will be introduced during this session.

Several pieces of legislation were passed, including two bills sponsored by Delegate Mike Cherry. HB 2226 allows foster families to request that their home address be redacted for privacy reasons. HB 2599 provides additional flexibility for local courts by allowing certain Chesterfield cases to be heard in Colonial Heights while planning a courthouse expansion.

Additionally, two other bills sponsored by Cherry will undergo further study over the summer to ensure their language is correct and without unintended consequences.

Cherry highlighted bipartisan efforts in Richmond despite political differences. He expressed satisfaction with the unanimous passage of the Campaign Integrity Act, which bans personal use of campaign funds. "I was proud to carry this bill for three years in a row," said Cherry. The bill now awaits the Governor's review.

Delegate Sam Rasoul's HB 2501 also received bipartisan support. This legislation establishes a statewide "Blue Envelope" program for drivers with special needs to improve communication with law enforcement during traffic stops.

Nearly 2,000 bills were introduced this session, and Cherry invites constituents to ask questions about those not covered in his updates.

On Saturday, the House voted on amendments to the biennial state budget. Cherry opposed it due to concerns about cost-of-living measures and funding allocations. He noted that while there are tax cuts included, such as direct rebates and an increased standard deduction, there is no repeal of the car tax or measures addressing high rents through increased housing supply.

The budget includes more funding for public schools but cuts funds for school resource officers (SROs). It also removes language capping tuition raises at public colleges and universities and reduces funding for lab schools.

Cherry criticized certain expenditures within the budget as excessive pork spending: "$3 million will go to help sponsor an international golf tournament and $4 million will go to fund a new welcome center for a partisan organization."

The Governor now reviews the budget with options to sign, veto, or amend it before legislators revisit it during their April session.

A special session is anticipated later this year due to potential impacts from federal government cuts affecting Virginia's state budget given its large number of federal employees.

Constituents can reach out throughout the year for assistance with state government issues via email at DelMCherry@house.virginia.gov or phone at (804) 946-1221 among other contact methods provided by Delegate Cherry's office.

In recent news related articles include coverage of Virginia State University hosting a gubernatorial debate and discussions on campaign spending loopholes among others listed by Delegate Cherry as potentially interesting reads from various outlets like Progress-Index and Richmond Times Dispatch among others.