Decriminalizing Poverty
Virginia’s Criminal Legal System Will be More Fair After This Legislative Session — What Changed and What’s Next
Virginia’s criminal legal system should treat people fairly — no matter their race or income. This legislative session, lawmakers...
Virginia General Assembly Adjourns Sine Die, Passing Historic Legislation to Advance Racial and Economic Justice in Virginia
TCI is committed to continuing to fight for a budget that invests in making life more affordable for families...
Statement: Both House and Senate Advance Legislation to End Decades-Long Court Debt
Today, Kami Blatt, Decriminalization of Poverty Policy Analyst at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI), released the following...
Budget Matters: A Look at Police Spending In Virginia Localities (Updated Analysis)
Virginia’s criminal legal system should advance justice and treat people fairly, yet racial injustice and unequal outcomes permeate our...
From History to Harm: Fines and Fees in Virginia — and Who Pays the Price
A just society is one where laws are applied fairly and public systems help people and communities thrive. In...
Justice from the Start: The Importance of Counsel at First Appearance
First published Feb. 7, 2025; last updated Jan. 19, 2026 Everyone, no matter their race or wealth, deserves...
The 60 Year Shadow of Court Fines & Fees
Originally published Jan 10, 2022; last updated Jan 13, 2026 Virginia’s criminal legal system should advance justice, treat...
Using JLARC’s Racial & Ethnic Impact Statements Can Improve Fairness in Virginia’s Criminal Legal System
Virginia’s public policy should be grounded in evidence, transparency, and a commitment to advancing racial and economic justice. It’s...
Nearly 400 Years of Laws Targeting Black Virginians Set the Stage for Today’s Criminal Legal System
Since the colonial era, Virginia has used the law to restrict many aspects of Black people’s daily lives. As...