The Half Sheet
Safety, Trust, and Affordability: The Real Costs of Federal Immigration Enforcement in Virginia
Families across Virginia should be able to go to work, study, and seek medical care without fear or intimidation. These…
From History to Harm: Fines and Fees in Virginia — and Who Pays the Price
A just society is one where laws are applied fairly and public systems help people and communities thrive. In Virginia,…
How Key Tax Proposals Would Improve Affordability in Virginia
As lawmakers consider budget proposals, several options would cut taxes and boost income for most families, including increasing Virginia’s refundable…
Virginia Lawmakers: Give Fair Share a Fair Shot
Whether you have $5 or $5 million, we all want to live in thriving communities where the basics are within…
Choosing Care Over Corporate Tax Cuts: A Better Path for Virginia’s Budget
As we envision the Virginia we want to live and grow in, access to affordable health coverage and services is…
From Progress to Permanence and Beyond: Strengthening Virginia’s EITC
Every family in every community deserves to comfortably live on their income, meet the immediate needs of their family, and…
Some Progress on a Long Climb: Virginia Must Boost Its Support for English Learner Students
First published Jan. 18, 2022; last updated Jan. 9, 2026 Every child should have access to an excellent education. In…
Justice from the Start: The Importance of Counsel at First Appearance
First published Feb. 7, 2025; last updated Jan. 19, 2026 Everyone, no matter their race or wealth, deserves a fair…
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,…
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…
Design Matters: Refundable Tax Credits are a Building Block for a Fairer Tax Code
Our state tax code is an essential tool to support our communities. However, Virginia still has an upside-down tax code,…
How Does Virginia’s State Budget Work?
Originally published July 12, 2023; Updated October 24, 2025 en español Why the budget matters Creating broadly shared opportunity…