The Half Sheet

Decisions about tax policy reflect our values as a society and have a direct impact on our ability to support our families and contribute to our communities. No family should lack the basic resources necessary to thrive, and some federal policies are in place to specifically boost incomes for low and moderate-income families.

While work requirements are often touted as a means to promote self-sufficiency and reduce poverty, the evidence continues to pile up: work requirements simply don’t work as a method for reducing poverty.

In Virginia, 1 out of 7 children live in families that struggle with food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy, active life. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a crucial federal program to combat this problem of childhood hunger by providing students attending high-poverty schools and school districts with a free and nutritious breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which affords us the opportunity to take stock of recent significant investments the state has made and look at the ongoing work that still needs to be done in order to improve quality and access to behavioral health services in Virginia.

The decision to expand Medicaid in Virginia was a watershed moment for low-income adults and families in need of quality, comprehensive health coverage. Expanded coverage began on January 1, 2019 with enrollment starting in November of last year. While

This Mother’s Day, let’s remember that well-designed tax policy has a role to play in supporting moms and their families. For too many mothers, working at low wages means struggling to get by and to get ahead.

Monday marked the beginning of teacher appreciation week. Teachers certainly deserve the gestures of appreciation they will receive this week in the form of gift cards, flowers, and discounts at the local fast food joint. However,

One of the primary purposes of the Medicaid program is to give individuals and families with low incomes an opportunity to access affordable and quality health coverage. This past January, Virginia

We all want to live in a society where every child has a chance to reach their full potential and every parent can support their family with dignity. Yet, as shown in a new study of economic immobility, entrenched barriers mean too many families – particularly families of color – are left without those opportunities.

he welcoming of a child should be an exciting time for families. People that call Virginia home hope to have good health outcomes for mothers and their child while starting their new journey as a family. Unfortunately,

For Virginia’s communities to thrive, the state needs to make ongoing investments, and that includes safe, well-maintained roads and highways. In Virginia, serious investments must include a serious discussion about revenues.

Earning a paycheck should mean being able to provide for one’s family. However, many of Virginia’s low-income working families are struggling to make ends meet to keep up with rising costs like rent and expensive child care. A new federal proposal,