November 3, 2021
Statement: Passing Build Back Better Legislation Will Improve the Lives of People Across Virginia
The state’s congressional delegation must pass the Build Back Better bill
Today, Ashley C. Kenneth, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI), released the following statement in anticipation of the floor vote on the Build Back Better legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“Now is the moment for Congress to seize the opportunity to make significant and historic gains that will improve the lives of millions of people. The Build Back Better legislation would help advance racial and economic justice for families and communities across Virginia, expanding access to much-needed services, programs and funding. These investments in families and a more equitable economy are long overdue. Families are still struggling, and many are at risk of being excluded from the post-pandemic recovery unless Congress takes action. We urge Virginia’s congressional delegation to pass the bill and get it that much closer to becoming law.
Now is the moment for Congress to seize the opportunity to make significant and historic gains that will improve the lives of millions of people. The Build Back Better legislation would help advance racial and economic justice for families and communities across Virginia, expanding access to much-needed services, programs and funding.
Ashley C. Kenneth, President and CEO, The Commonwealth Institute
“The House bill will have enormous positive impacts for Virginia. It is projected to lift nearly 100,000 children in Virginia out of poverty, make child care more affordable for nearly all families, provide universal pre-K, invest in affordable housing, build upon recent health coverage improvements, and establish a paid leave program that would finally give working families and caregivers the flexibility and support they deserve.
“At every step along the way, this bill has been fully paid for with commonsense tax reforms that make sure profitable corporations and millionaires pay their fair share in federal taxes, and through other cost-saving measures, like allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug prices.
“TCI applauds the delegation for their work on this bill and looks forward to House passage to send the bill to the Senate.”