The Half Sheet

Over 300,000 newly-eligible adults have enrolled in health coverage through Medicaid, according to just-released data from the state. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) automatically enrolling or expediting the enrollment of certain people, such as parents of children already enrolled in Medicaid, are likely part of this success.

No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Yet in Virginia, far too many working individuals and families have trouble staying afloat despite their efforts – nearly two-thirds of families below the federal poverty threshold have at least one adult who is working.

Strong relationships between students and their teachers are vital to a healthy learning environment. One of the most immediate ways these relationships are built is by students connecting with teachers who look like them.

Everyone in Virginia working a full-time job should be paid enough to provide for their family. However, for many this is not the case. State lawmakers have failed to raise Virginia’s minimum wage above the federal requirement, and July 24 will mark 10 years since the last increase in the federal minimum wage.

Ensuring that as many individuals with the ability to work have the opportunity to do so is a key indicator of a healthy economy.

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.

Many veteran and military families in Virginia struggle to make ends meet.

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).

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.

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,

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.