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Decriminalizing Poverty

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...
July 5, 2022 | Briana Jones

Extended Injustice: Court Fines and Fees for Young People are Counterproductive, Particularly Harm Black Young People, Families, and Communities

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 their proposed...
March 21, 2022 | Levi 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...
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...
October 14, 2020 | The Commonwealth Institute

Virginia Needs an Updated Budget to Address Economic and Health Challenges

A lot has changed since April when legislators approved a state budget amid significant uncertainty. After six months, we have...
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