October 4, 2023
The Half Sheet
State Can Build on Recent Improvements and Provide Greater Local Revenue Authority
Nationally, state and local governments are on the front lines of addressing the current health and economic crises. In addition…
The Costs of “Cash Register Justice” in Virginia: Racial Disparities & Poverty Traps
In a quest for revenue, the criminal justice system in the United States has come to rely on court-imposed fines…
State Lawmakers Have Tax Policy Options to Meet the Moment and Lay Groundwork for Stronger Recovery
Virginia has pressing budget challenges, even as the state is providing additional public services necessary to respond to the COVID-19…
Latest Data Shows Trend Toward Economic Recovery, but Black Workers and Businesses are Being Left Behind
With economic activity beginning to rebound across the commonwealth and the country in May and June, the latest data show…
July is Maternal Health Awareness Month: Black Mothers Deserve Equity
During the 2020 legislative session, the General Assembly enacted House Joint Resolution 111, which designates July…
Pandemic Exacerbates Health and Economic Concerns for LGBTQ People of Color
Everyone should be able to access health care and take needed time off to care for themselves or loved ones…
Schools Face Huge Hurdles in Reopening Safely, Federal Aid Falls Short
Keeping students and school staff safe should be a top priority across the state. While Gov. Northam permitted schools to…
Criminal Justice Reform in the Commonwealth: 1.6 Million People in Virginia with a Criminal Record Deserve A Fair Chance To Succeed
In the wake of a national conversation about racism, policing, and criminal justice reform, the time has come for changes…
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…