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Decriminalizing Poverty

January 13, 2026 | Kami Blatt

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 people fairly,...
January 8, 2026 | Kami Blatt

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 critical...
May 12, 2025 | Megan Davis

Doing Our Work in Virginia: How Virginia’s Legislature is Investing in Communities (2025 Session Recap)

When we think about the Virginia that we want to live in — where families have access to affordable health...
February 13, 2025 | Megan Davis

Piecing it Together: House and Senate Budgets Hold Opportunities for Protecting and Investing in Families and Communities

State budget decisions are critical to realizing the vital investments our communities need. While Governor Youngkin presented a budget that...
January 21, 2025 | The Commonwealth Institute

What’s In and Who’s Left Out of the Governor’s Budget

Budgets show what and who we value, and Virginia’s families deserve a budget that values them by providing broad and...
December 28, 2024 | Amy Wentz

Ujima: Collective Work, Collective Impact in 2024

TCI is closing out 2024 ready for the work ahead and bolstered by collaboration with Collective Work, our racial and...
July 25, 2024 | Kami Blatt

Decriminalizing Poverty: What Happened in the 2024 Session and What Still Needs to be Done?

Justice should not depend on what someone looks like or how much they have in their wallet. Yet a number...
March 6, 2024 | Megan Davis

How House and Senate Budget Proposals Would Impact Virginia Communities

When lawmakers make bold choices to raise resources, we can invest more in all of us. Last week, the House...
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...
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