Economic Opportunity
The Rural-Urban Divide is Visible in Virginia’s Recovery
Working people in every part of Virginia took a hit during the Great Recession. While the economy is improving overall since then, the benefits of recovery have not been evenly distributed.
Racial Inequity Has Serious Consequences for Black Men
Virginia should be a place where every family can benefit from the economy, find adequate housing, and get a good education. Many Virginians can; however, over 920,000 hardworking Virginians live in poverty, which limits opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The Upshot of Increasing EITC Uptake in Virginia
We know from an extensive body of research that the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most effective anti-poverty tools in the United States. Yet, as this report will detail, many eligible households throughout Virginia do not take advantage of this credit.
A Fair and Accurate Count: Why the Census Citizenship Question Is A Bad Idea
Every 10 years, the Census Bureau conducts the Decennial Census to obtain a headcount of every individual living in the United States. This provides highly valuable information that is critical to keeping our governments and local communities functioning.
Virginia’s 10-Year Tide Hasn’t Lifted All Boats
2008 was 10 long years ago, but the effects of the Great Recession are fresh enough that the nation’s worst economic downturn since the Great Depression is still an open wound. In light of new jobs and wages data, just how far has Virginia’s economy bounced back to work? And who is it working for?
A Closer Look: The Contributions of Black Immigrants to Virginia’s Economy
Black immigrants living in Virginia are an important part of the state’s economy and future. A majority of working-age Black immigrants are employed; many have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most have lived in the United States for many years.
Immigration Has Broad Benefits by Increasing Opportunity
One in eight Virginians is an immigrant to the United States. New Virginians often come seeking a better life for themselves and their families. And Virginians – whether born-heres or come-heres – value that Virginia is a good place to raise a family. The good news is that there is a general consensus among economists that immigration energizes the economy and expands opportunity for U.S.-born individuals as well. A new report provides critical new information on how.
A Targeted Economic Boost: An Expanded Working Families Tax Credit in Virginia Would Strengthen Communities and Families
A targeted working families tax credit can help families earning low wages meet basic needs. For families struggling to...
Remaining Balance in State TANF Funds Should Be Used to Strengthen the Safety Net
Virginia’s new budget finances multiple measures to help improve the lives of Virginians. The budget funds the extension of health care coverage to nearly 400,000 newly eligible Virginians, and it funds increased salaries for teachers, nurses, counselors, and other staff in Virginia’s public schools. However, lawmakers failed to continue the progress made over the past two years in increasing support for Virginia’s poorest families with children, despite the serious erosion in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits over the last two decades.