The Virginia General Assembly concluded its legislative activities for April, with ongoing work on the state budget and recent developments in redistricting lawsuits, according to a May 1 update from Delegate Mike Cherry.
These updates are significant as they affect the state’s fiscal planning, election processes, and key legislation impacting local communities. The lack of an approved biennial budget raises concerns about potential disruptions if no agreement is reached before the new fiscal year begins July 1.
Cherry reported that during the Reconvene Session on April 22, legislators addressed amendments proposed by Governor Spanberger and considered her vetoes. “The Governor vetoed eight bills, including one that would create a new tax on mattresses in order to fund a statewide mattress recycling program. She also vetoed a bill that would permit Fairfax County to construct a casino. None of her vetoes were overridden,” Cherry said. He added that amendments regarding recreational marijuana and collective bargaining for public employees were passed over by Democratic majorities: “Both bills now sit on the Governor’s desk in their original form.” Cherry previously urged the governor to veto collective bargaining legislation due to concerns about costs for local taxpayers.
Regarding the state budget, Cherry noted little progress has been made since March when the regular session ended without adopting a new plan. He said disagreement over how data centers should be taxed is delaying negotiations among lawmakers responsible for drafting the final bill.
On redistricting, Cherry described last week’s referendum allowing lawmakers to redraw Congressional districts as passing by a narrow margin. Ongoing lawsuits challenge both how the amendment was placed on ballots and its wording; oral arguments have been heard by the Virginia Supreme Court but no ruling has yet been issued.
Cherry announced two of his bills were signed into law: House Bill 1140 directs creation of guidelines for law enforcement use of confidential informants; House Bill 1387 allows automatic revocation of teaching licenses from individuals convicted under sex offender statutes.
Cherry was elected in 2024 as Republican representative for Virginia’s 74th House district, succeeding Lamont Bagby according to available information.
