FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2026
RICHMOND — Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights) today asked for Governor Abigail Spanberger to veto collective bargaining legislation currently on her desk for review. In a letter, Cherry highlighted the erosion of local control and the staggering costs associated should HB1263/SB378 become law. This legislation passed during the 2026 regular session on a party-line vote.
“This collective bargaining legislation currently on the Governor’s desk is the antithesis of affordability,” stated Cherry. “If it becomes law, Virginians can kiss goodbye any hopes they have of a lower cost of living.”
Initial estimates for localities included in House District 74 are:
- Chesterfield County: $200 million
- Colonial Heights: $12.5 million
No state dollars are expected to be allocated towards this requirement making this an unfunded mandate of epic proportions. Both localities expect a significant increase in the real estate tax rate in order to cover the cost of collective bargaining.
Existing state law already permits localities to authorize collective bargaining agreements with public employees, and a few cities and counties have utilized this avenue. HB1263/SB378 mandates a one-size-fits-all approach for the entire state, overriding local control.
Cherry added, “My constituents expect their state government to, at a bare minimum, not take actions that make their lives more expensive. By vetoing this legislation, the Governor can block what is projected to be a massive tax increase and stand on the side of Virginians concerned about affordability.”
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