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Decriminalizing Poverty

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July 7, 2022 | The Commonwealth Institute

Eliminating Youth Fines and Fees Relieves Black Youth and their Families from Undue Burden

Virginia can be a place where every young person has the support and resources to reach their full potential and...
June 29, 2022 | The Commonwealth Institute

Mixed Bag: State Budget for Upcoming Two Years Has Important Improvements & Setbacks for Racial Justice

Virginia families deserve a budget that helps them make ends meet and invests in the future. The budget for the...
May 31, 2022 | The Commonwealth Institute

Session 2022: Key Budget Policy Choices

Comparing House, Senate, and conference budget proposals to the current budget House and Senate budget negotiators have submitted...
March 21, 2022 | Laura Goren

Costly for Everyone: Presuming People Should Be Held Pre-Trial Has Significant Economic and Fiscal Costs

The right to due process and a presumption of innocence are central to promoting fairness and justice within our criminal...
January 10, 2022 | Phil Hernandez

The 60 Year Shadow of Court Fines & Fees

Virginia’s criminal legal system should advance justice, treat people fairly, and promote rehabilitation. Yet in Virginia, and across the country,...
March 18, 2021 | Phil Hernandez

Fines and Fees Push People Further into Poverty, Exacerbate Racial Injustice in Virginia

New report illustrates problems stemming from court-imposed fines and fees, offers up “first-step” reforms Richmond, VA — Fines and fees,...
February 18, 2021 | Phil Hernandez

Virginia Poised to Become A National Leader On Expungement Reform

Lawmakers have arrived at a proposed compromise on legislation that would expand Virginia’s restrictive expungement law by including new criminal record...
January 14, 2021 | Phil Hernandez

Set Up to Fail: How Court Fines & Fees Punish Poverty and Harm Black Communities in Virginia

Introduction The fundamental role that Virginia’s courts play to advance justice, treat people fairly, and promote rehabilitation is made complicated...
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