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State senator briefs Prince Edward supervisors on session outcomes and local priorities
Summary
Sen. Luther H. Ciphers III updated the board on the 2026 General Assembly session: two local budget amendments failed to pass, solar siting changes reduce local discretion and extend to battery storage by right, a school tax opt-in referendum was continued to 2027, and the new statewide paid family leave law will begin payroll deductions in 2028.
Senator Luther H. Ciphers III, who represents Senate District 10, delivered a detailed update to the Prince Edward County Board of Supervisors on the outcomes of the 2026 General Assembly session and pending budget actions that could affect the county.
Budget amendments: The senator said two amendments requested on behalf of the county did not make it into the final budget this year: funding for the Sandy River Reservoir project (the senator noted the county had invested about $2 million in good faith) and a $50,000 amendment for the Mary E. Branch Heritage Center; he said he plans to continue advocating for both items.
Energy and land-use issues: Ciphers flagged changes to state policy on solar siting: the General Assembly'level action reduces local discretion over solar siting and allows battery storage at previously approved solar sites by right. He warned battery storage raises different environmental and safety concerns than solar panels (e.g., toxicity of batteries and fire risk) and encouraged local scrutiny.
Other bills and timing: The senator summarized other legislation of local interest: a 1% local opt‑in sales tax for schools was continued until 2027; the statewide paid family medical leave law was enacted but payroll collections do not start until 2028; and mandatory collective bargaining for localities remains contested and could be delayed or become law depending on forthcoming actions by the governor and the reconvened General Assembly.
Elections reimbursement: A board member asked whether the state would reimburse localities for costs incurred by a recent referendum; the senator said local registrars have been told the state intends to reimburse but that he would believe it when he saw the check.
Why it mattered: The senator emphasized the importance of local engagement with legislators and urged local officials to raise problems created by state mandates that shift costs or responsibilities downward. He invited the board to send him proposals and budget amendment requests for next session.
