Dear Friend,
Spring, and pollen, have officially arrived! I know many families have enjoyed spring break and are looking forward to the coming summer months.
I hope you found the weekly email updates during the recent legislative session both informative and worthwhile. With the conclusion of said legislative session, I am again transitioning to monthly updates that I hope will continue to be of interest to you. As always, let me know if you have any questions.
Upcoming Sessions
The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Richmond twice during the month of April.
On April 22, we will convene for our constitutionally required Reconvene Session. At this time, the legislature will consider amendments to bills proposed by the Governor. We will also have the opportunity to override any vetoes she may make.
On April 23 we will meet in a special session to continue work on the state budget. At this time, it is unknown whether or not a budget proposal will be ready for consideration or if the day’s meeting will simply be procedural in nature. If a budget is not approved on the 23rd, additional meetings will be required. A budget must be in place by the start of the new fiscal year on July 1.
I will update you on the key points from both meetings during my end of April update.
Around the District
With session wrapped up, I am grateful for the chance to spend more time attending events in our district.
Just recently, I had the opportunity to join the Colonial Heights Police Department for their annual award banquet at the Keystone Tractor Museum. Officer Navarro was recognized as Officer of the Year! Thank you to all of our local law enforcement who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
Earlier in the month, I had the chance to learn more about the RTR Teacher Residency Program during a site visit to Ettrick Elementary School. This VCU-based program is helping to address the teacher shortage in schools across Virginia, including in Chesterfield County.
You can learn more about the RTR Teacher Residency Program at VCU by clicking here.
Finally, a special thank you to the Southside Virginia Association of REALTORS for inviting me to their spring happy hour at Swift Creek Mill Theatre. I always enjoy catching up and learning more about the most recent trends in real estate.
Early Voting Info
Early voting for the April 21 redistricting referendum is available in both Colonial Heights and Chesterfield. Here is where you can currently vote early:
Colonial Heights: Registrar’s Office at City Hall (201 James Ave); Monday thru Friday; 9am to 5pm. Saturday voting available on April 11 and 18; 9am to 5pm.
Chesterfield: Central Library (7051 Lucy Corr Blvd); Monday thru Friday; 9am to 6pm
Chesterfield will open a second early voting site at North Courthouse Road Library on April 10th. Saturday voting available at both sites on April 11 and 18 from 9am to 5pm. Sunday voting is available on April 12 from 11am to 5pm.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 21st. You can vote at your regular polling location from 6am to 7pm.
As you know, this proposed amendment would give the General Assembly a one-time free pass to return to the days of gerrymandering. This comes after an overwhelming majority of Virginians voted in 2020 to end gerrymandering by politicians and replace it with a fairer process. The proposed maps that will be implemented if this new referendum passes would make Virginia the most gerrymandered state in the nation. I encourage you to join me in voting no on the referendum so that we can preserve our state’s fair maps and redistricting process.
In the News
Here are a few articles from the last few weeks that you may find interesting:
- Virginia Mercury: Republican state lawmakers propose three-month gas tax holiday in Virginia
- WWBT NBC12: Former Governor issues debate challenge to Spanberger over redistricting efforts
- WSET ABC13: Virginia bill would create mattress recycling program, add fee to new purchases
- Richmond Times Dispatch: Officials say scam texts warning of unpaid tolls should be ignored
If I can assist you or your family with a state-related matter, please let me know. I stand ready to help in any way possible. It remains an honor to represent Colonial Heights and Chesterfield in the House of Delegates.
Sincerely,
Mike Cherry