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Decriminalizing Poverty

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...
September 24, 2020 | The Commonwealth Institute

TCI Applauds Recommendations to Address Racial Injustice in Virginia Law

Commission to Examine Racial Inequity in Virginia Law Takes Up Major Criminal Justice, Education Remedies On Tuesday, September 23, 2020,...
September 10, 2020 | Phil Hernandez

Virginia is For Second Chances: Landmark Expungement Reform Moves Forward

Virginia is on the cusp of passing landmark expungement reform, which could help extend a second chance to those with...
August 14, 2020 | The Commonwealth Institute

Budget Priorities to Advance Racial Justice and Meet COVID-19 Challenges

Much has changed in Virginia, across the United States, and around the world since the General Assembly first adopted a...
August 7, 2020 | Phil Hernandez

The Costs of “Cash Register Justice” in Virginia: Racial Disparities & Poverty Traps

In a quest for revenue, the criminal justice system in the United States has come to rely on court-imposed fines...
July 28, 2020 | Phil Hernandez

Budget Matters: A Look at Police Spending In Virginia Localities

Racial injustice and unequal outcomes permeate our criminal justice system. A long history of discriminatory laws and practices—ranging from the...
July 8, 2020 | Phil Hernandez

Criminal Justice Reform in the Commonwealth: 1.6 Million People in Virginia with a Criminal Record Deserve A Fair Chance To Succeed

In the wake of a national conversation about racism, policing, and criminal justice reform, the time has come for changes...
June 18, 2020 | The Commonwealth Institute

Budget Matters: A Brief Look at Spending Choices by Virginia on Policing

The struggles for racial justice and economic justice are deeply intertwined. For too many residents of Virginia, particularly Black and...
May 21, 2020 | Phil Hernandez

Virginia Supreme Court Provides Emergency Relief from Fines & Fees: Temporary Measures Underscore the Need for Additional Reforms

We all want to build a Virginia where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Accomplishing this goal requires thoughtful policymaking...
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