October 4, 2023
The Half Sheet
Budget Matters: A Brief Look at Spending Choices by Virginia on Policing
The struggles for racial justice and economic justice are deeply intertwined. For too many residents of Virginia, particularly Black and…
If Not Now, When? Lawmakers Have Options to Advance Equitable Health Policies
The COVID-19 pandemic has put into sharp focus long-standing inequities in health care, paid leave, and economic opportunity in Virginia.
Virginia Supreme Court Provides Emergency Relief from Fines & Fees: Temporary Measures Underscore the Need for Additional Reforms
We all want to build a Virginia where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Accomplishing this goal requires thoughtful policymaking…
Virginia Could Gain Budget Resources by Eliminating Antiquated Sales Tax Exemptions
The latest monthly revenue report from Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne shows that state revenues are coming in more slowly…
Virginia Should Act to Help Immigrant Communities Stay Afloat
Immigrant families are woven into the fabric of Virginia’s communities and economy, and working people of every immigration status are…
Policy Choices Can Help Out-of-Work Families During This Recession and Set Virginia on a Better Course
As Virginia policymakers consider how to respond to high levels of job losses and rebuild the…
Initial Virginia Unemployment Data Indicates Greater Job Losses Among Virginians of Color; The Same Thing Happened During the Last Recession
In the last two months, Virginia families and businesses across the commonwealth have taken the extraordinary step to stay home…
School Divisions Can Make the Most of Federal Aid to Help Prevent and Respond to COVID Impacts
Every student in every zip code should have access to a high-quality education, yet the pandemic is creating more barriers…
State Reserves Are Crucial for Dealing with COVID-19 Budget Impacts
As state policymakers continue to address the wider health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the pressures on…
The COVID-19 Divide: Virus Sheds Light on Inequity
As we navigate the public health crisis, every policy and funding decision made should move Virginia closer to becoming a…
Crises Demand Counselors
Many students and families are experiencing extremely trying times right now: school buildings closing abruptly, financial struggles, parents losing jobs,…
Understanding Federal Action, State Choices on School Funding Amid Health Pandemic
Now more than ever, parents, families, and communities are reminded of the critical role educators and schools play in developing…