The month of July flew by. I trust you had a great time celebrating our nation’s independence! Before we know it, kids will be back in school and cooler weather will return.
In this month’s e-newsletter, I am providing a brief update on VMSDEP and the upcoming sales tax holiday. I’ve also included a few recent news articles that you may find of interest.
VMSDEP Update
Previously I have shared several updates with you regarding the Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP). This program was established in the 1930s to provide tuition assistance for disabled World War I veterans and the children of those killed in action during the war. A similar program exists for the children of first responders killed in the line of duty.
From previous updates, you will recall that the state budget included hastily made changes to VMSDEP eligibility requirements. These changes were routinely opposed by veteran and Gold Star families.
After a fair amount of political posturing, the House and Senate were able to meet and pass HB6004 to fully repeal the recent changes to VMSDEP. In addition to repealing the changes to VMSDEP eligibility, HB6004 allocates surplus revenues to ensure the program is properly funded. I was proud to serve as a chief co-patron for this bill and to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get to this point.
Concerns still exist regarding the program’s long term viability. Several workgroups are meeting this summer and fall to examine the program and explore potential future changes. Any changes that are made must be done in a transparent manner through the regular legislative process–not rushed through the state budget.
Sales Tax Holiday
Virginia’s annual sales tax holiday takes place this coming weekend: August 2-4. School supplies, clothing, footwear, emergency preparedness items, and energy efficient appliances can be purchased tax free Friday thru Sunday. This is a great opportunity to save a few bucks while making sure the kids are ready for school to start and get prepared for hurricane season.
Here’s what is included in the tax free holiday:
School supplies, clothing, and footwear
- Qualified school supplies – $20 or less per item
- Qualified clothing and footwear – $100 or less per item
Hurricane and emergency preparedness products
- Portable generators – $1,000 or less per item
- Gas-powered chainsaws – $350 or less per item
- Chainsaw accessories – $60 or less per item
- Other specified hurricane preparedness items – $60 or less per item
Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products
- Qualifying Energy Star™ or WaterSense™ products purchased for noncommercial home or personal use – $2,500 or less per item
You can learn more about what items do and do not qualify for the sales tax holiday by visiting the Department of Taxation’s website here.
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Around the District
July started with celebrating our nation’s independence! I enjoyed being in Chesterfield to participate in The Highland’s annual parade.
During the last few summer months, I’ve enjoyed cheering for the Tri-City Chili Peppers. This year’s season was ‘extra cool’ as we welcomed the world’s first Cosmic Baseball game to Colonial Heights. I recently had the opportunity to present a commending resolution to team owner Chris Martin thanking him–as well as the players, interns, and fans–for a fantastic season!
In the News
Here are a few articles that you may find of interest:
- Youngkin executive order seeks ‘phone-free education’ in Virginia public schools
- Virginia is America’s Top State for Business in 2024, with the nation’s best schools and solid infrastructure
- ‘We’re all in this boat together’: Va. lawmakers say it’s time to tone down the political rhetoric after Trump shot
- Virginia collects $1.2 billion more revenue than expected
As we enter the remaining summer months, it remains an honor to represent you in the House of Delegates. If I can assist you or your family with a state-related issue, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Mike Cherry