October 4, 2023
The Half Sheet
The Time To Care: The Need For a Paid Family and Medical Leave Policy
Everyone should be able to take time to care – time to welcome a new addition to the family or care for yourself or a loved one – without fear of losing their job or income.
New Federal Proposal Would Give Needed Income Boost to Virginia’s Veterans and Active-Duty Military
Many veteran and military families in Virginia struggle to make ends meet.
New IRS Rule Narrows Tax Loophole Abused in Virginia
Earlier this month, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finalized a new rule helping to narrow a tax loophole that had been abused here in Virginia. The rule prevents people or corporations from “double-dipping” when making donations to private or religious schools as explained here by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP).
Federal Proposal to Boost Kids and Families Takes Step Forward in Congress
Supporting families means making sure each parent can provide for themselves and their children. That includes putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, having reliable transportation, and affording other basics.
Take Action Against Federal Proposal That Could Threaten Health Care and Food Access
Every year, eligibility for programs including Medicaid, CHIP, Affordable Care Act insurance premium subsidies, SNAP, and school meals is determined relative to the federal poverty line. That measure is adjusted annually for inflation in order to account for the rising cost of living. However,
New Federal Tax Credit Proposals Would Help Families In Virginia
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.
Behavioral Science Finds Work Requirements Don’t Work As a Method for Reducing Poverty
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.
Room for Improvement: Opportunities Remain to Increase Access to Free Meals for Kids in Virginia
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,
Mental Health Awareness Month: Virginia’s Progress and Opportunities in Behavioral Health
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.
New Medicaid Data Tells Story of Success and Opportunity: Update
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
Improved Working Families Tax Credits Would Give a Boost to Mothers and Children
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.
4 Ways to Celebrate Teachers Beyond Appreciation Week – With Fair Compensation and Sufficient Support
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,