October 4, 2023
The Half Sheet
Work-Sharing: A Powerful Tool to Save Jobs in Virginia
Confronting an economic downturn in the wake of COVID-19, Gov. Northam recently proposed an innovative program…
Virginia Has a Role In Securing Resources For Immigrants Left Behind By Federal Packages
The current crisis has highlighted a long-standing fact: Our health and well-being is highly intertwined with that of our…
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 economy…
People are the Economy
The purpose of economic activity is to improve people’s lives, making us healthier, happier, and more fulfilled. And when people…
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 (ACA)…
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 historic legislation…
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 continually…
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 spread…
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 first…
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.