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Economic Opportunity

January 27, 2020 | Levi Goren

Stop Excluding Domestic Workers From Minimum Wage Protections

Everyone in Virginia deserves the same basic protections against wage theft, unsafe conditions, and sub-poverty wages whether they work in a private home or a large corporation.
December 18, 2019 | Chris Wodicka

Building on What Works: A Refundable EITC Would Support Families in Every District and Locality

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a commonsense way to support families with low to moderate incomes. Over 600,000 of Virginia’s working families currently receive the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which helps families to put food on the table, keep up with utility bills, and afford other necessities. The federal EITC is one of the most effective tools to bring families above the poverty line.
December 12, 2019 | Levi Goren

Raising the Wage in Virginia Will Benefit Working Families

Everyone in Virginia working a full-time job should be paid enough to provide for their family. However, for many this is not the case.
December 9, 2019 | The Commonwealth Institute

Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”

A co-release from The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis and the Fiscal Policy Institute In August 2019, the Department of...
November 15, 2019 | Chris Wodicka

In Potential Year-end Tax Legislation, Federal Lawmakers Must Remember to Support Families

A fair economy that works for everyone means families are able to provide for themselves and their children. That means having enough food to eat, reliable transportation, and other necessities.
September 26, 2019 | Levi Goren

New Census Income and Poverty Data: Stalled Progress Means Virginia May Begin Next Recession With Poverty Rates That Are Still Elevated From Prior Recession

Incomes remained fairly steady in 2018 for middle-class Virginia households after adjusting for inflation, yet poverty rates remain well above pre-recession levels and income inequality is increasing. Compared to two years ago, median household income is up 1.9% in Virginia to $72,577 in 2018.
September 16, 2019 | Levi Goren

Proposed Trump Rule Changes to Food Assistance Would Eliminate Flexibility for States

No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and making a rent payment. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps families afford healthy food without sacrificing other necessities.
August 22, 2019 | Kathy Mendes

For Women of Color, A Statewide Family and Medical Leave Program is Critical

Everyone should have the ability to care for themselves and loved ones without risking their paycheck.
July 25, 2019 | Michael Johnson

It’s Time to Raise the Wage – Especially for Workers of Color

No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Yet in Virginia, far too many working individuals and families have trouble staying afloat despite their efforts – nearly two-thirds of families below the federal poverty threshold have at least one adult who is working.
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