March 26, 2026
The Half Sheet
COVID-19 & Unemployment Insurance: Recent Reforms & Next Steps for Virginia
During recessions, Virginia’s unemployment insurance (UI) system serves as the first line of defense by helping to stabilize the…
People are the Economy
The purpose of economic activity is to improve people’s lives, making us healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. And when…
Expanding Association Health Plans A Mistake For Virginia, Would Undermine Progress
Affordable, comprehensive health care is critical for the health and well-being of our communities. Yet the Affordable Care Act…
New Minimum Wage Legislation Will Strengthen Virginia’s Families & Economy
Nearly 800,000 people will benefit, including essential workers during COVID-19. In the 2020 session, the General Assembly passed…
Building a Welcoming Commonwealth for Virginia’s Diverse Immigrant Communities
As our families, communities, and state grapple with the novel coronavirus, social distancing, and their economic effects, we are…
Resources for Virginia Workers, Families, and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Steps have been taken on the state and federal level in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to halt the…
Understanding Federal Action on COVID-19 and Potential Next Steps
This past week Congress passed and the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which takes some…
After 10 Years, The Affordable Care Act Is Poised For an Even Bigger Role in Virginia
Ten years ago today, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), was signed into law, introducing landmark health coverage reform and expanding the availability of comprehensive and affordable health coverage across the nation. This law has had a considerable impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of families in Virginia and should be protected during and beyond this uncertain time.
Virginia Charts A Path To A $15 Minimum Wage
During the 2020 session, the General Assembly adopted new legislation to increase Virginia’s minimum wage. Historically, Virginia has followed the federal minimum wage, which has been set at $7.25 since July 2009. This bill, which now awaits Gov. Northam’s signature, would gradually increase Virginia’s minimum wage to $12 by January 2023 and then outlines a path to $15 by 2026, contingent on the approval of the General Assembly.
Making Ends Meet: Minimum Wages and Public Assistance
Everyone in Virginia who works full-time should be able to support their family with a decent standard of living, and raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2025 will help make that happen. As wages and income grow, families are likely to qualify for less help from programs such as SNAP (food stamps) and public health insurance.
State Funding Proposals Include Regressive Tax Increases – Many without Offsets
Last week, the 2020 General Assembly session reached the point of the legislative calendar known as “crossover.” From crossover until the end of session, the House of Delegates only considers legislation that has passed the Senate, and the Senate only considers legislation that has passed the House (the lone exception is the budget bill).
Virginia Missed an Opportunity to Be at the Forefront of Equity in Policy
This legislative session, proposals have been put forward that would begin to reverse decades of policies that have hurt low-income people of color in Virginia, from ensuring our education system works for more students to strengthening the state’s safety net.