Virginia State Delegate Mike Cherry released an end of May update on June 2, providing constituents with information about the state budget process, Shoosmith Landfill concerns, recent legislative actions, and redistricting developments.
Cherry said the House of Delegates will return to Richmond on June 18 to continue work on the state budget. The Senate is scheduled to return on June 22. He noted that if a budget is not passed by July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, a government shutdown would occur. “To date, Democrats have not produced a budget to be voted on. It is my understanding that the conference committee responsible for hammering out the differences between House and Senate proposals has not met since early March,” Cherry said. He added that tax policy regarding data centers remains a significant point of contention in finalizing the budget.
Addressing environmental concerns at Shoosmith Landfill, Cherry wrote that bankruptcy at the site means it may soon be unable to manage toxic leachate effectively. “In order to manage the toxic leachate and protect surrounding waterways, the state will likely need to take over the landfill,” he said. The immediate cost for stabilizing this issue is expected to be around $50 million. Cherry said he continues to seek more information as state officials work toward a solution.
On legislative matters from this year’s General Assembly session, Cherry reported that Governor Spanberger has completed action on all bills from 2026. He highlighted her veto of collective bargaining legislation affecting public employees: “Earlier this year, I sent a letter to the Governor highlighting the high cost of implementing this legislation… The proposal also would have overridden local control on this issue.” Cherry expects further debate next session.
Regarding redistricting efforts in Virginia, Cherry cited a recent Virginia Supreme Court ruling finding procedural violations in placing a referendum before voters: “Because they opted to rush the process and ignore the law, millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted for a referendum that does not count.” He stated future attempts at changing district maps are possible but emphasized his support for fairness in redistricting.
Cherry was elected as Republican delegate for Virginia’s 74th House district in 2024 after replacing Lamont Bagby, according to Mike Cherry’s campaign website.
