For Immediate Release
December 17, 2024
RICHMOND — Delegate Mike Cherry (R-Colonial Heights) today introduced legislation that extends enhanced retirement benefits to local and state emergency dispatchers.
HB1564 extends the same enhanced benefits currently available to police officers and firefighters to local 9-1-1 dispatchers for service on or after July 1, 2026. This bill has been introduced as a local option consistent with Delegate Cherry’s opposition to unfunded mandates on local governments. HB1563 extends those same enhanced retirement benefits to state emergency dispatchers, including those with Capitol Police and Virginia State Police.
“As a police chaplain, I have firsthand knowledge of the incredible work that Virginia’s emergency dispatchers do 24/7,” Cherry said. “Offering enhanced retirement benefits to our state and local dispatchers both recognizes their service as the very first of first responders and will help local governments fill critical vacancies.”
Similar legislation has been introduced by Delegate Cherry and other legislators in previous sessions, but has proved unsuccessful due to budgetary constraints. During the 2024 regular session, it was estimated that implementing these two bills would cost approximately $275,500 in one-time upgrades to the VRS system and $577,000 to fund the enhanced benefits for state dispatchers.
“With a state budget surplus of around $2 billion, I believe that we absolutely can provide these enhanced benefits to our first responders while also being able to consider tax relief for Virginia families,” Cherry noted. “I hope my colleagues will recognize the sacrifices that emergency dispatchers make by offering them enhanced retirement benefits.”
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