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Mike A. Cherry — Republican Delegate for Virginia District 74 (official headshot)

Mike A. Cherry Voting Record & Scorecard | National Democrat Platform

VA Delegate

District: 74 • Republican

2024 DEM Alignment:

64.81%

Lifetime Alignment:

69.91%

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Voting Alignment with DEM Platform – by Chapter

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Provided by Transparency USA

Del. Mike A. Cherry (R-VA-74) earned a 65% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Mike A. Cherry voted on 54 of the 55 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 2 years rated, Mike A. Cherry's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 70%, with 110 votes recorded across 111 scored bills. Mike A. Cherry represents the 74th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Title

Lawmaker Position

HB 1Assembly 20241x

Reducing Employment Opportunities and Driving Up Consumer Costs by Increasing the Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour by 2026.

With DEMs
This bill increases the minimum wage from $12.00 to $13.50 in 2025, and $15 in 2026. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.
HB 1069 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Vapor Products Not Authorized by the FDA.

Against DEMs
This bill prohibits the sale of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, such as e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction.
HB 110Assembly 20241x

Expanding Individual Liberties and Opportunities for Families by Legalizing Surrogacy Brokers.

Against DEMs
This bill legalizes "surrogacy brokers" who help connect would-be parents with prospective surrogates for a fee. Virginia is the only state that criminalizes this practice, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to expanding individual liberties and providing greater options to families seeking surrogacy.
HB 1130Assembly 20241x

Forcing Medical Professionals to Undergo Politicized Bias and Cultural Competency Training in Order to Renew their Licenses.

Against DEMs
This bill would require "unconscious bias and cultural competency training" to be added to the continuing education requirements for the renewal of licensure under the authority of the Board of Medicine. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as medical professionals should not be forced to undergo politized indoctrination in order to obtain licensure. This measure is largely designed to enrich leftist entities which provide such a service.
HB 1251Assembly 20241x

Creating a New Rent Avoidance Loophole for Devious Tenants by No Longer Requiring a Tenant to Deposit Owed Rent into an Escrow Account to File a Noncompliance Case Against a Landlord

Against DEMs
This bill no longer requires a tenant to deposit the rent they owe into a court escrow account before they file a noncompliance case against a landlord. Under prior law, a tenant alleging noncompliance such as lack of hot water or a rodent infestation had to first place any outstanding rent into the account prior to filing. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels frivolous claims by devious tenants seeking to abuse the system in order to avoid paying rent. Such a measure also creates further backlogs in the Virginia legal system.
HB 1301Assembly 20241x

Worsening Shortages During an Emergency by Expanding Draconian Prohibitions on Price Gouging.

Against DEMs
This bill further expands the types of "consumer transactions" subjected to Virginia''s price gouging restriction during disasters. The price gouging restrictions now also apply to transactions such as advertising, leasing, licensing and contract of employment services. Additionally, the bill extends the duration of the price controls by lengthening the period considered as the "time of disaster." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market plays an essential role during times of disaster by properly allocating scarce resources and incentivizing the shipment and production of additional goods to the disaster zone. Anti-price gouging laws - like all price controls - merely worsen a disaster by encouraging hoarding, creating shortages and disincentivizing the flow of additional goods and relief.
HB 1452Assembly 20241x

Wasting Taxpayer Resources by Requiring State Agencies to Submit Politicized Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Reports.

With DEMs
This bill requires state agencies to report "diversity, equity, and inclusion goals" to the Governor''s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the General Assembly. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all government actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.
HB 1454Assembly 20241x

Weakening Election Integrity by Expanding Non-Citizens Access to IDs.

With DEMs
This bill enables an individual permitted by the Federal government to be in the United States for just a limited duration to apply for an original license, permit, or special identification card for the full eight-year term. Additionally, this bill removes the requirement that driver privilege cards have printed restrictions identical to limited duration licenses, used to distinguish between legal and non-legal resident IDs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
HB 1514Assembly 20241x

Indebting Taxpayers and Growing Government Central Planning by Creating a New Public Entity to Construct a Sports and Entertainment Campus in Alexandria which will Enrich Billionaire Ted Leonsis.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority as a political subdivision to finance the construction of a sports and entertainment campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Under the bill, Authority members would hire independent contractors, enter contracts, acquire property, borrow money, and issue bonds for up to 40 years. The bill is estimated to provide a $1.5 billion subsidy for billionaire Ted Leonsis who owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards and is seeking to construct a new stadium in Potomac Yard. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the free market - not the government - to coordinate and finance the construction of sports facilities and entertainment centers. This cronyism further enriches billionaires such as Leonsis at the expense of other everyday Virginians.
HB 157Assembly 20241x

Expanding Minimum Wage Mandates to Include Temporary Foreign Workers and Farm Laborers.

With DEMs
This bill eliminates the exemption to the state''s minimum wage for farm laborers, farm employees and certain temporary foreign workers. Under the bill, the wage level for these positions is set at a minimum of $12 per hour starting July 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.
HB 183Assembly 20241x

Growing Government Overreach by Implementing Storage Requirements for Firearms in Residences.

With DEMs
This bill implements firearm storage requirements, stipulating that in homes where a minor or person who is prohibited from owning a firearm resides, firearms and ammunition must be in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. Additionally, the bill requires firearm dealers to post such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.
HB 2Assembly 20241x

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Prohibiting the Sale of "Assault Firearms".

With DEMs
This bill creates a misdemeanor crime for the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of "assault firearms" and high-capacity magazines made after July 1. Additionally, the bill creates a new rule banning anyone under the age of 21 from buying or possession "assault weapons" regardless of the manufacture date. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.
HB 208Assembly 20241x

Providing Localities with Superfluous Authority to Adopt Healthy Communities'' Strategies.

With DEMs
This bill permits localities to adopt a "healthy communities'' strategy". This includes identifying major sources of pollution, identifying policies to mitigate health risks to residents caused by pollution, promoting civic engagement, broadband access, job training, digital literacy, and more. The program may also identify policies that encourage public transit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the size and scope of government and will likely lead to the infringement of property rights. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual.
HB 30 (Amd. 103 #7h)Assembly 20241x

Worsening Cronyism by Providing $10 Million in Grants for Select Childcare Centers.

With DEMs
Amendment 103 #7h to the appropriations bill provides $10 million in competitive grants to expand availability of early childcare centers in the state, prioritizing projects using under-utilized space in community colleges. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels cronyism by enriching select childcare centers through taxpayer funded grants. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to make childcare affordable and accessible by reducing onerous regulations.
HB 45Assembly 20241x

Threatening Public Safety by Expanding "Earned Sentence Credits" to Now Count Time Served Prior to Convictions.

Against DEMs
This bill allows inmates to receive "earned sentence credits" for time served before a conviction, including time spent in state hospitals. The bill also applies retroactively, likely resulting in shorter prison sentences for a majority of inmates in the state. Oppose is the Limited Government position as this bill would likely result in a jailbreak and spiking crime across Virginia. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the public and restore law and order by holding criminals accountable.
HB 456Assembly 20241x

Increasing Taxpayer Costs by Hiking Maximum Salaries for Mayors and City Councils by at least 81%.

With DEMs
This bill increases the maximum salaries for city mayors and councils (by at least 81%) and allows annual increases of up to 5% for inflation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill massively increases the maximum salaries for elected officials (some over 88%) at the expense of taxpayers. Such hikes are not necessary considering the significant number of individuals seeking the office (elections).
HB 457Assembly 20241x

Threatening Public Safety by Reducing Oversight of Criminals Through an Automatic Probation Period Reduction Process.

With DEMs
This bill creates an automatic process to decrease a defendant''s supervised probation period. A defendant''s probation is automatically reduced if they meet one of many metrics such as employment or broadly defined educational activities. Oppose is the Limited Government position as this automatic "one size fits all" process prevents probation officers from properly monitoring criminals, thus severely jeopardizing public safety. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
HB 478Assembly 20241x

Expanding Cronyism and Fueling Wasteful Spending by Permitting All Localities in the State to Fund Residential Revitalization Projects Through Loans and Grants.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the current law allowing for the establishment of a community revitalization fund to apply to all localities in the state, instead of only applying to the city of Richmond. The fund is used to provide loans and grants for construction, renovation, or demolition of residential structures, infrastructure improvements, and acquisition of blighted structures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to drive residential growth in the state - not central planning by government bureaucrats. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to increase access and affordability to housing by reducing stringent zoning regulations.
HB 570Assembly 20241x

Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to Implement Drug Price Controls.

With DEMs
This bill establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), tasked with identifying prescription, generic, and other drugs that are offered for sale in the state and conducting affordability reviews of any prescription drug product. The Board is required to set an upper payment limit (UPL) if they determine that the drug has led to or will lead to an "affordability challenge." State-sponsored and state-regulated health plans and programs would be obligated to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to the UPL amount set by the Board. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill represents an egregious interference in the healthcare industry, as pharmaceutical price controls limit access to life-saving treatments and hinders medical innovation.
HB 598Assembly 20241x

Weakening Property Rights and Further Delaying the Eviction Process by Forcing Landlords to Wait 14 Days to Seek Legal Remedies for Tenant Non-Payment (Previously 5 Days).

With DEMs
This bill extends the amount of time from 5 days to 14 days after rent is due that a landlord must wait to begin the legal process to evict a non-paying tenant. Under current law, the eviction process in Virginia takes roughly three to four months. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens property rights and ultimately drives up housing costs for everyone by exposing landlords to greater levels of risk and expense due to tenant non-payment.
HB 673 (Prior to Governor Recommendation)Assembly 20241x

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for Government-Favored Infrastructure Projects in Low-Income Areas.

With DEMs
This bill requires state entities to give additional weight to projects in low-income areas and those that "incorporate nature-based solutions" when considering funding for projects under the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund This fund provides loans and grants to local governments for flood resilience projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while this program should likely be eliminated entirely, at the very least, funds should not be wasted to meet politicized criteria. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
HB 746 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Driving Up Utility Rates by Forcing Power Companies to Meet New Energy Efficiency Targets.

Against DEMs
This bill amends how the State Corporation Commission establishes new energy efficiency savings targets for utility companies. Beginning in 2029, the targets must be set at "the greatest level of energy savings that the Commission finds is feasible and cost-effective." The Commission is required to retain an expert to conduct a study, and utilities are allowed to recover any costs of assisting with the study that the Commission determines to be "reasonable and prudent." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. Utility companies should aim to provide the best service with the lowest rates possible, not focus on advancing environmental and political agendas which ultimately harm ratepayers.
HB 799Assembly 20241x

Implementing Superfluous Fingerprint Requirements on Applicants for Concealed Handgun Permits.

With DEMs
This bill requires fingerprints to be submitted with an application for a concealed handgun permit or a renewal of such permit. While the bill mandates the fingerprints collected must be destroyed by the state, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) retains these fingerprints for the individual''s lifetime. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure threatens the privacy rights of individuals exercising their second amendment rights and imposes a superfluous restriction to gaining a firearms permit.
HB 805Assembly 20241x

Allowing Localities to Increase Sales Tax Rates to Fund School Construction Resulting in a Nearly $1.5 Billion Annual Tax Increase.

With DEMs
This bill allows all localities in Virginia (previously only certain counties) to levy an additional local sales and use tax, up to 1%, to fund construction or renovation of schools in the state. Under the bill, the locality must propose the new tax through a referendum. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state budget already appropriates funding for school construction and this unnecessary measure could subject Virginians to billions in tax increases, while also indirectly releasing funding towards other purposes not related to school construction.
HB 817Assembly 20241x

Increasing Housing Costs by Superfluously Expanding List of Prohibited Retaliatory Actions by Landlords.

Against DEMs
This bill expands the list of prohibited retaliatory actions by a landlord against a tenant for actions such as complaining of a housing violation to a government agency, making a complaint to the media, or filing an action against a landlord for violation of the lease or laws. Under the bill, retaliatory actions can now include increasing rent or fees, selectively decreasing services, threatening or harassing the tenant, and more. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill ultimately drives up rental rates by exposing landlords to new risk. This measure provides a new tool that devious tenants may utilize to extort landlords through frivolous allegations.
HB 819Assembly 20241x

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Mandating Insurers Provide Contraceptive Drugs and Devices to Enrollees at No Cost or Co-Pay.

With DEMs
This bill requires all health insurance policies offered in the state to provide coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices without any deductible or cost-sharing requirement. Health insurers were previously required to "offer and make available" such coverage, but this bill requires the coverage be "provided." At least one version of contraceptive drugs and devices must be covered at no cost, though insurers must also cover at no cost a drug or device if recommended by a healthcare provider based on an individual''s "medical need." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.
HB 830Assembly 20241x

Increasing Bureaucracy and Taxpayer Costs by Creating an Unnecessary New Position within the Department of Education to Implement the Farm to School Program Task Force.

Against DEMs
This bill directs the Department of Education to establish a farm to school program task force to work with local school boards, community organizations, and farmers to increase such programs across the state. These programs are designed to increase school purchases of food grown in Virginia, which increases taxpayer costs by forgoing less expensive options. The bill allows the department to "appoint such members as it deems necessary or appropriate." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and will likely lead to additional government spending in future years.
HB 906 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Hiking Utility Costs by Further Limiting the Ability of Utility Companies to Disconnect Services for Non-Payment.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities from disconnecting service to a residential customer for nonpayment of bills or fees during a state of emergency or in extreme temperatures. The bill also prohibits disconnecting service on Fridays, weekends, state holidays, and the day before a state holiday, with notification requirements for customers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the rates utility companies charge are all set by the SCC and based on utility company operating costs. This measure further drives up operating costs by limiting the ability of utilities to disconnect for non-payment, thus leading to higher utility bills for all customers.
HB 924Assembly 20241x

Increasing Consumer Costs by Imposing New Reporting Requirements on Rideshare Companies.

With DEMs
This bill requires Transportation Network Companies (TNC) (such as Uber and Lyft) to submit annual reports to the DMV Commissioner regarding the average fare collected from passengers, the total time driven by drivers while transporting passengers, and the total amount earned in connection to pre-arranged rides. Additionally, the bill requires a TNC to disclose to its drivers details about the deactivation process and provide a weekly summary of fares and breakdown. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the regulatory state, merely serving as yet another government-imposed mandate on rideshare companies.
HB 971Assembly 20241x

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Reducing Costs by Allowing a Greater Number of APRN''s to Practice without Physician Oversight.

With DEMs
This bill lowers from five years to three years the amount of full-clinical experience required before an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) may practice without a practice agreement. The bill also allows qualified nurse practitioners to attest to qualification of a nurse practitioner. Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory relief results in greater access to healthcare and competition which ultimately drives down costs for patients.
SB 100Assembly 20241x

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Banning Home-Crafted Firearms.

With DEMs
This bill largely bans the ability of individuals to build their own firearms by criminalizing the import, purchase, sale, or transfer of any unfinished frame or receiver, or any firearm without a valid serial number. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation''s other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.
SB 119Assembly 20241x

Extorting Drug Manufacturers by Forcing them to Expand their Distribution of Discounted Drugs (340B-Covered) to Pharmacies in Order to Operate in the State.

Against DEMs
This bill places an additional mandate on drug manufactures. Under federal law, manufactures are forced to provide a certain amount of their drugs at below market rates (aka 340B-covered drugs). Under this bill, in order to obtain a state permit, a manufacture may now also not limit the number of contract pharmacies or covered entities that the manufacture provides 340B-covered drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government interference in the marketplace and enriches pharmacies by extorting drug manufactures.
SB 143Assembly 20241x

Hiking Freight Costs and Enriching Unions by Mandating Minimum Crew Requirements on Railroads.

With DEMs
This bill requires a crew of at least two qualified individuals (union workers) on all trains, locomotives, or light engines used in connection with moving freight. Oppose is the Limited Government Provision as this bill serves to enrich labor unions through costly and unnecessary mandates on the rail industry. Such measure also hinders future railway automation which lowers consumer costs.
SB 212Assembly 20241x

Expanding Individual Liberties by Legalizing "Skill Game" Betting Machines in Virginia.

Against DEMs
This bill, the Virginia Small Business Economic Development Act, legalizes pay-to-play machines and permits the issuance of registrations to skill-game distributors, operators, and host establishments. Under the bill, up to four skill game machines are allowed in any facility with an ABC retail license and up to 10 in any truck stop. A 25% tax is imposed on the revenue generated by each machine, with an expectation to bring in more than $126 million. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors, such as skill-games.
SB 255Assembly 20241x

Hiking Electricity Rates for Appalachian Power Customers Through the Creation of a "Shared Solar Program".

With DEMs
This bill requires the State Corporation Commission to establish a "shared solar program" for Appalachian Power Customers. This program, typically for customers who do not have the room to install solar panels on their residences, allows them to instead purchase power through a subscription in a solar facility that is constructed in a non-urban location. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this program, like similar "net-metering" solar subsidy schemes, fails to account for the significant power transmission costs and other operational expenses incurred by utility companies. As a result, these costs are transferred onto all other power customers through higher electricity rates, placing unnecessary additional financial burdens onto businesses and families across the region.
SB 256 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Hiking Auto Insurance Premiums Through a "First-Party Bad Faith Law" which may Subjects Insurers to Double Pay-outs to Policy Holders.

Against DEMs
This bill establishes a "first-party bad faith law" in Virginia. As a result, an automobile insurer is liable for a double payout of damages, lost income and legal costs to the policy holder if the insurer denies a claim and later found by a court to be liable for the claim and acting in bad faith. A similar policy has been enacted in just a handful of other states and is estimated to increase VA insurance premiums by 14%. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure incentives frivolous litigation and enriches trial lawyers, while making automotive insurance much more costly for all Virginians.
SB 259Assembly 20241x

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Exacerbating Court Backlogs by Creating a Pathway for Class Action Lawsuits in Virginia State Courts.

With DEMs
This bill creates an avenue for class actions that could not be filed in federal court under the Class Action Fairness Act, meaning class actions with an aggregate amount in controversy of less than $5 million or class actions that only involve Virginia plaintiffs and Virginia defendants. Currently, Virginia is one of two states (Mississippi) without state-court class actions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure encourages frivolous litigation and could create further backlogs in the Virginia legal system, which recently received significant modification.
SB 336Assembly 20241x

Growing the Surveillance State and Authorizing "Taxation through Citation" by Allowing Local Law Enforcement to Deploy Speed Cameras.

With DEMs
This bill permits state and local law-enforcement agencies to place and operate a photo speed monitoring device at a "high-risk intersection segment" for the purpose of recording violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these systems have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, many of which place such devices not at spots closest to schools but at locations most likely to catch speeders. Additionally, the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.
SB 373Assembly 20241x

Increasing Employer Costs and Reducing Employment Opportunities by Mandating 12-Weeks of Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance.

With DEMs
This bill requires the Virginia Employment Commission to establish a paid family and medical leave insurance program starting in 2027. The bill provides that the benefit amount is 80% of the employee''s average weekly wage, not to exceed 80% of the state weekly wage, which is required to be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the statewide average weekly wage. The bill caps the duration of paid leave at 12 weeks in any application year and provides self-employed individuals the option of participating in the program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government interference drives up employment costs and may come at the expense of job opportunities, higher wages, and other employee benefits. Employers are already incentivized to provide the highest levels of benefits to their employees to retain their top talent and compete in the marketplace.
SB 454 (Governor Recommendation)Assembly 20241x

Slightly Reducing Higher Energy Rates by Lowering Maximum Monthly Bill Increase for Modular Reactor Project Costs from $1.75 to $1.40 Per Month.

With DEMs
Governor recommendation to bill allowing Dominion Energy to pass modular reactor project costs onto ratepayers. The governor recommended version lowers the maximum monthly bill increase of the utility''s typical residential customer from $1.75 to $1.40 per month. Support is the Limited Government Position as this change is a step in the right direction to protecting ratepayers from higher electricity rates and a potential boondoggle caused by the underlying bill.
SB 454 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Placing Virginia Electricity Users at Risk of a Boondoggle by Permitting Dominion Energy to Pass Modular Reactor Project Costs onto Ratepayers Before Project Completion.

Against DEMs
This bill allows utility companies to petition the State Corporation Commission for approval of a rate increase to recover the costs of small modular nuclear reactor projects before the project is completed. To protect against boondoggles and other bad investments, existing law required power company to first make the investment and bring the system online before recovering the costs from ratepayers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a blank check for utility companies and nuclear energy companies to enrich themselves at the expense of ratepayers. There have been multiple cases in states such as South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia where ratepayers have been forced to pay billions of dollars in higher electricity costs due to boondoggle nuclear power projects. If such a project is not a worthy investment of a utility company or other investors, it is likely not a worthy investment for ratepayers either.
SB 494Assembly 20241x

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Caregivers and Hiking Costs for Families by Expanding Overtime Requirements to Cover Domestic Service Workers.

With DEMs
This bill expands Virginia''s overtime law to now include domestic service workers who reside in the household. Domestic workers must be paid an overtime premium at a rate of at least 1.5 times the employee''s regular rate for hours worked more than 40 hours in any one work week. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as employees and employers should be free to negotiate their own employment agreements and terms of compensation without undue interference by government. Domestic workers typically receive many other non-traditional benefits such as housing, food, transportation access, etc. This bill will likely result in many families no longer being able to financially support caregivers for children, aging parents, etc.
SB 496Assembly 20241x

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning through Changes to the Economic Development Grant Programs which Expand their Issuance.

Against DEMs
This bill amends grants under the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Act and Virginia Investment Partnership Act. Under the bill, the amount of matching funds required for grants to regional economic or workforce development councils is reduced from equal to just half of the grant amount. The bill also eliminates the limit of $1 million annually for recipients of manufacturing and research and development grants, among other provisions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens corporate welfare and cronyism at the expense of all other industries and taxpayers. The state should eliminate these grant funds entirely and take additional actions to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.
SB 505Assembly 20241x

Threatening Public Safety by Limiting Incarceration for Probation Violations to 14 Days Regardless of Likelihood to Reoffend.

With DEMs
This bill stipulates that when a defendant is taken into custody for an alleged technical (probation) violation the court may not impose more than 14 days of active incarceration. If a decision has not been made within 14 days, bail must be provided, regardless of if the defendant is a flight risk or likely to re-offend based on past behavior. Oppose is the Limited Government position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.
SB 544 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Strengthening Property Rights by Prohibiting Localities from Mandating a Permit to Offer a Residence as a Short-Term Rental.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits localities from requiring that a permit be obtained for the use of a residential dwelling as a short-term rental where the unit is also legally occupied by the property owner as their primary residence. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps strengthen property rights and protects landlords against overreaching local regulations that most often restrict competition and drive-up rental costs. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control," our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.
SB 556Assembly 20241x

Worsening Cronyism by Increasing the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit by $2.5 Million.

With DEMs
This bill increases from $5 million to $7.5 million the annual cap that can be claimed by a taxpayer of the historic rehabilitation tax credit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels cronyism by enriching government-favored taxpayers and diluting the overall tax base. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.
SB 564Assembly 20241x

Gowing Government Central Planning and Further Distorting the Tax Code through Carveouts to Select Regions of the State.

Against DEMs
This bill requires the Department of Taxation and the Commission on Local Government to assess the need for lower income tax rates in areas considered "double distressed". This includes certain localities with a significant population decrease since 2013 and also have unemployment and poverty rates above the statewide average. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone - not manipulated through central planning by bureaucrats. This measure merely shifts tax burdens to taxpayers in other portions of the state, while failing to address the underlying reasons which may have made a locality distressed such as crime, etc.
SB 582 (Prior to Governor Recommendations)Assembly 20241x

Hiking Taxes on Liquid Nicotine Products and Further Infringing Individual Liberties.

Against DEMs
This bill imposes further costs and restrictions on the sale and use of liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products. Under the bill, nicotine vapor products may not be sold to individuals under the age of 21, with new penalties enacted for underaged sales, including a $10,000 fine and revocation of a distributor''s license. The bill also prohibits internet sales of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, except to a retail dealer, and prohibits the sale of such products in vending machines. Compliance checks are required every 24 months on related retailers. Lastly, the bill implements a $0.666 per milliliter tax upon liquid nicotine in closed systems and a tax on open systems of 20 percent of the wholesale price starting in 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction.
SB 586Assembly 20241x

Jeopardizing Student Safety and Effective Learning Environments by Implementing Barriers to Expelling Students for Violent and Threatening Behavior.

With DEMs
This bill prohibits any public elementary or secondary school student from being suspended or expelled from school without first implementing at least one "evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice," such as community service, mentoring, and peer mediation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens educational outcomes for all students by making it more difficult to remove individuals who threaten the safety of other students and disrupt productive learning environments.
SB 606Assembly 20241x

Undermining Election Integrity by Re-Enrolling Virginia in the Soros-Funded ERIC Voter Monitoring System.

With DEMs
This bill rejoins Virginia in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), an organization that has received criticism for claims of improper data usage, the inability to meet information sharing requirements, and funding by sources otherwise prohibited in Virginia elections. Under the bill, the Department of Elections must pay a membership fee of approximately $87,000 and complete an Eligible but Unregistered (EBU) mailing that would cost taxpayers roughly $200,000 every two years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill undermines safeguards against voter fraud, which are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation''s constitutional republic.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Del. Mike A. Cherry's voting record?

Del. Mike A. Cherry (R-VA-74) earned a 65% National Democrat Platform score for 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles. Mike A. Cherry voted on 54 of the 55 substantive bills scored by Dem Platform in 2024. Across 2 years rated, Mike A. Cherry's lifetime Dem Platform score averages 70%, with 110 votes recorded across 111 scored bills. Mike A. Cherry represents the 74th District in the Virginia House of Delegates.

How aligned is Mike A. Cherry with Democratic Party Platform principles?

Mike A. Cherry earned a 65% National Democrat Platform score in 2024, showing moderate alignment with Democratic Party Platform principles.

What is Mike A. Cherry's Dem Platform score?

Mike A. Cherry has a 65% Dem Platform score for 2024. Across 2 years rated, Mike A. Cherry's lifetime average is 70%.

Where does Mike A. Cherry serve?

Del. Mike A. Cherry (R-VA-74) represents the 74th District in the Virginia House of Delegates as a Republican.

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