This past month we celebrated the 250th anniversary of our great county’s independence! Despite a record heat wave, my family enjoyed the fun, food, and fireworks. I trust you and your family did, as well.
In this month’s update, I am sharing information about the upcoming tax free weekend, a quick update on data centers and Shoosmith Landfill, and a quick primary reminder. I hope these monthly updates continue to be beneficial and informative.
Tax Free Weekend
Virginia’s annual tax free weekend is taking place August 7-9 during which state sales tax will not be charged on certain items. Generally exempt from sales tax are:
- School supplies (under $20 per item)
- Clothing and shoes (under $100 per item)
- Hurricane and emergency preparedness items
- Select energy efficient appliances for home/noncommercial use
For additional information and specific details on qualifying items, visit the Tax Department’s website by clicking here.
Shoosmith Update
This week I had the opportunity to meet with EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey while she was in Richmond. Naturally, we discussed the ongoing situation at Shoosmith Landfill. We both share a desire for a thorough solution that protects our local community and Virginia’s waterways.
The situation at Shoosmith remains a state issue. Typically, the EPA will only become involved when a matter reaches crisis mode. So while the situation remains serious, the fact that the federal government is not more involved is a good sign. The EPA remains fully briefed on the matter and continues to support the state where appropriate.
At the start of this month, the Secretary of Natural & Historic Resources convened a meeting of all relevant stakeholders to discuss the path forward for Shoosmith. You can read my update from that meeting here.
Also this week, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (EPA) published a webpage compiling a large amount of information related to Shoosmith in one place. If you have questions about how we ended up in this situation and what the current status is. You can access the new DEQ webpage by clicking here.
Chesterfield Data Center Webpage
I appreciate the concerns being expressed to me over data center construction in Chesterfield County. I share many of the concerns that you have, while also recognizing that zoning remains under the purview of local government. I do commend the Board of Supervisors for ending by-right development of new data centers in the county.
Water and electricity concerns, however, do impact the entire state and should be examined appropriately. So should tax incentives offered by the state. I thoroughly expect that data centers will be the topic of discussion when the General Assembly meets next for regular session. I hope that this debate during regular session will be more complete than the rushed discussions during our recent special budget session. The public deserves nothing less from their elected representatives.
Locally, Chesterfield County has published a new webpage that contains a wealth of information regarding data center projects. This includes existing sites as well as those under development. I would encourage you to review the site by clicking here.
Primary Day
Primary Day is Tuesday, August 4th–that’s next week! If you did not get the chance to vote early, I encourage you to do so. Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. You can cast your ballot at your regular polling location.
As a reminder, state law only allows you to vote in one party’s primary. If your precinct has both a Republican and Democratic primary, an election worker will ask which ballot you would like. This is standard and happens every time there is a dual primary.
If you have questions, please contact your local registrar’s office:
- Colonial Heights: (804) 520-9277
- Chesterfield: (804) 748-1471
Around the District
Early in the month of July I had the chance to join Master Officer Johnston of Chesterfield County Police for a ride along. As a result of significant rainfall that evening, the case we worked on was a submerged car. I always appreciate the chance to ride along with local police from time to time and see first hand the challenges they face.
More recently, I had the honor of attending the judicial investiture for Curtis Hairston as the newest circuit court judge for the 12th Judicial District made up of Colonial Heights and Chesterfield. Judge Hairston previously served on the general district court. I look forward to his continued service to our community on the bench.
In the News
Here are a few news articles that you may find of interest:
- WRIC 8 News: New law makes it easier for adoptees to get a copy of original birth certificate
- The Richmonder: Cleanup is underway at the Shoosmith landfill. Who will foot the $173 million bill?
- WWBT NBC12: Virginia Department of Health rolls out new nursing home oversight plan
It remains an honor to represent our community in the Virginia House of Delegates. I stand ready to assist you and your family with any state-related issue you may face. Please reach out to let me know how I can best serve you.
Sincerely,
Mike Cherry