Decriminalizing Poverty
Virginia’s Criminal Legal Reforms Have Saved Millions. New Report Says the State Should Count All the Savings
Criminal legal reforms have helped reduce Virginia’s prison population while maintaining public safety and generating significant savings for the...
Criminal Legal Reform in Virginia is Working. The State Should Count All the Savings
There has been real change in recent years to Virginia’s criminal legal system. Fewer people are behind bars, Virginia...
Building Opportunity: A Racial Equity Analysis of Virginia’s 2026 Budget Choices
Every person in every community deserves to have what they need to thrive. Yet historic and ongoing discrimination has...
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...