Happy New Year!
Looking back, there is much to be thankful for! Teresa and I were excited as our son and his wife welcomed their second child and elated to see our daughter get engaged. 2025 has so much in store for us!
As we wrap up the month, I wanted to share a brief email update that sets the stage as the General Assembly prepares to return to Richmond next month. I hope you continue to find these updates useful and informative.
2025 General Assembly Session
The Virginia General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, January 8 for the regular legislative session. During this 46-day meeting, the House and Senate will consider a host of bills alongside amendments to the existing biennial budget.
Earlier in December as part of the preparation for session, the Governor introduced his proposed amendments to the existing state budget. In case you missed it, you can read my previous email update covering his proposal. When the legislature returns, the money committees in both the House and Senate will use the Governor’s proposal as a starting point in order to craft their own set of amendments. The full House and Senate will then debate the committee proposals, eventually settling on one package of amendments that will be sent to the Governor for his signature, veto, or further amendment.
Legislators have already begun introducing bills for the coming session, with many more bills expected over the next two weeks. Recently, I introduced two bills (HB1563 and HB1564) that would offer enhanced retirement benefits to 911 dispatchers. Presently, these first responders are classified as administrative assistants. Reclassifying them and offering them the same benefits as other first responders both recognizes their value to our community and will help with recruitment in parts of Virginia facing a shortage of dispatchers.
2025 Session Survey
With the new legislative session just around the corner, I want to get your thoughts on a few key issues that may come before the House for consideration. Linked below is a short eight question survey highlighting several of those policy areas.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE 2025 SURVEY
This survey does not include every issue the General Assembly will consider as that survey would be hundreds of questions long. If there is an issue important to you not included in this survey, please send me an email or letter with your thoughts. I do read each message I receive and do my very best to reply to each of them.
s
–
–
Session Contact Info
Contacting my office during session is easy and can be done most quickly by phone or email.
Phone: (804) 698-1074
Email: DelMCherry@house.virginia.gov
If you prefer to mail a letter, please send it to: PO Box 1146, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. My mailbox is checked several times each week throughout the year.
With the legislative session approaching, I look forward to offering you weekly email updates. If at any time you have a question about a bill being considered, please let me know. I also remain available to assist with problems you may face with a state agency such as the DMV or Department of Taxation.
As always, it remains an honor to represent you and your family in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Sincerely,
Mike Cherry