Spanberger proposes amendments to immigrant protection bills Lawmakers say the governor's changes do not meet the urgency of the moment.

Virginia’s immigration proposals are still evolving, with #VaLeg weighing amendments that could shape how policies are carried out.

This piece breaks down where things stand:

This Tax Day, Let’s Lead With Our Values | Demos Public goods exist because we invest in them together to expand freedom, dignity, and opportunity for all of us. That is how paying taxes becomes an act of care for our community.

On #TaxDay, it’s worth asking: what do our choices make possible?

In Virginia, revenue decisions shape whether families can afford the basics and whether communities have what they need to thrive.

That’s what’s at stake in the #VaBudget.

Virginia free clinics hit by funding cuts, brace for more to come As federal health care funding cuts deepen, Richmond’s Health Brigade free clinic says it is being forced to scale back on vital emergency mental health, housing and food services and

Federal #HealthCare cuts are already hitting Virginia.

Free clinics are cutting services & bracing for more patients as coverage is taken away — a “juggling act” to keep critical care from falling thru the cracks.

#VaBudget choices can shape what's next

No family should have to choose between health coverage and groceries. But that's the reality for many people in Virginia since ACA subsidies expired — and 33,000 people have already lost marketplace coverage as a result. Virginia's budget can change that. Read our latest: https://bit.ly/4viSaV1

Virginia is back on track to a $15 minimum wage! 🎉

Today, Gov. Spanberger signed #RaiseTheWageVa bills championed by Del. @jeionward.bsky.social and Sen. Lucas.

Together, we've made real progress for workers like Jonei who work hard and still struggle to get by.

▶️ Watch:

Virginia sees 33,000 ACA enrollment drop since subsidies expired, more likely on the way • Virginia Mercury As Virginians, and Americans nationwide, face premium spikes in the Affordable Care Act marketplace after Congress failed to renew subsidies, many are weighing the cost of coverage against paying rent...

More than 33,000 Virginians have lost #ACA coverage — the “biggest first-quarter drop-off the SCC has seen,” with more losses likely.

The Senate #VaBudget proposal does more to keep families connected to #HealthCare, backed by data center revenue.
🔗

Senate Budget Invests More in Public Schools with Data Center Revenue - The Commonwealth Institute Funding for schools in Virginia is still being decided. See how Senate and House budget choices impact students and long-term support.

Virginia's Senate budget invests $577M more in public schools — funded by making data centers pay their fair share. That means real raises for teachers, more support for students facing the highest barriers, and money for school construction. https://bit.ly/4v6rfvz

What’s at Stake in Virginia’s Budget Negotiations: Revenue Choices and Affordability - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia’s budget negotiations will decide whether new revenues support health care, schools, and lower costs for families.

Virginia is giving $1.9 billion in tax breaks to hyperscale data centers.
The Senate budget could end that giveaway to fund health care, child care, and raises for teachers.

McClellan, advocates call for subsidies to be restored as ACA anniversary approaches Health care continues to be a sticking point in Washington and Richmond, as state and federal lawmakers clash over funding Obamacare subsidies that expired last year.

The #ACA anniversary is a reminder: more people got coverage, fewer went without care.

But as TCI’s Ashley Kenneth says, “that progress is all imperiled” by federal cuts.

Now, #VaBudget choices will determine whether families keep coverage or lose it.

Join us Thursday, March 19 at 12PM for a recap of the wins, missed opportunities, and where things stand in the state budget.

Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/3NjRLR9

Support Virginia Communities by Supporting Health Safety Net Facilities - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia health safety net facilities provide care regardless of ability to pay. Federal policy changes could strain clinics and shift costs statewide.

When people lose #HealthCare coverage, they still need care.

As federal changes push more people off coverage, safety-net facilities will see increased demand.

We explain what’s at stake — and why the final #VaBudget must support these providers. ⤵️

Virginia revenue growing more slowly with new budget still a work in progress As the General Assembly faces a likely overtime or special session in agreeing on a new two-year budget, state revenue collections grew more slowly last month because of a softening labor market and i...

If lawmakers send rebate checks, they should reach the families who need them most.

TCI’s Ashley Kenneth explains why low-income Virginians shouldn’t be left out — and why strengthening the refundable #EITC matters. ⬇️

#TaxFairness4Va

Members of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus stand along the front of a room facing the audience. The VLBC logo appears on the front of a podium

It was great to hear from @vablackcaucus.bsky.social members this AM about their work this #VaLeg session to improve the lives of people in Virginia in the areas of health care, housing, child care, safer communities, and protecting democracy & civil rights
#FreeFromFear #StandingOnBusiness

Join us Thursday, March 19 at 12PM for a recap of the wins, missed opportunities, and where things stand in the state budget.

Register for the webinar here: https://bit.ly/3NjRLR9

Virginia’s Budget Opportunity: Turning Fair Tax Choices into Needed Investments - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia budget negotiations will shape investments in schools, health care, and tax fairness. See what’s at stake in the House and Senate plans.

Fair tax choices create #VaBudget opportunities.

Recent #VaLeg proposals — including rejecting corporate giveaways & closing the data center tax loophole — would help fund critical investments in schools, health care & families.

What’s in the plans⤵️

A Refundable State EITC is a Boost to Working Families: See How Much - The Commonwealth Institute The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a commonsense way to support families with low to moderate incomes. According to 2022 data, over 500,000 working families in Virginia receive the federal Earned ...

The difference between getting the full credit you earned and only part of it? Refundability

#Virginia’s 20% refundable #EITC puts more $$ in working families’ pockets to help cover costs.

See how much it can help — why #VaLeg should make it permanent⬇️

Virginia workers set to see minimum wage increase to $15 Virginia workers and businesses are preparing for increases in the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028.Legislation to increase the Commonwealth's current $12.77 per hour minimum wage passed the

Paychecks go up — and working people come out ahead.

Evidence shows #MinimumWage increases boost earnings with little to no overall employment impact.

TCI Pres. & CEO Ashley Kenneth on why #RaiseTheWageVa matters:

Session 2026: Key Budget Policy Choices - The Commonwealth Institute Session 2026 Virginia budget analysis: Explore key funding proposals affecting schools, health care, and community priorities.

It’s here!

Our side-by-side comparison of the money committee #VaBudget proposals is now live.

See how the introduced, House, and Senate plans stack up compared to the current budget at:
thecommonwealthinstitute.org/tci_research...

thanks, Roger! we'll delete this and get the proper link posted

Virginia Money Committees Reject Corporate Tax Breaks, Restore Health Care Funding, and Boost School Funding; Senate Requires Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share - The Commonwealth Institute Additional work is needed to make even more transformative investments in long-underfunded public services Today, Ashley Kenneth, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (T...

After Youngkin's harmful #VaBudget proposal, #VaLeg is correcting course.

✅ Corporate tax breaks rejected
✅ Health funding restored
✅ Extra $ for schools
✅ Data centers to pay their share per Senate

More work ahead.

Graphic says a single parent with three children working as a home health aide could save $1,115 from eliminating the grocery tax, a larger standard deduction, a child tax credit, and a stronger Earned Income Tax Credit, helping pay for groceries, utilities, or savings.

Graphic says a one-income family with toddlers earning about $34,410 could save $1,314 through a larger standard deduction, no grocery tax, child tax credits, and a bigger Earned Income Tax Credit, helping during expensive parenting years.

Graphic states a married mid-career public-servant couple (teacher and firefighter) could save $226 from a larger standard deduction and eliminating the grocery tax, providing steady savings that help with rising costs and long-term security.

Graphic asks “Who benefits most?” and lists families with children, lower-income households, and many middle-income workers. Text explains requiring wealthy residents to pay more of their fair share would help Virginia invest in services families rely on and reduce other costs. TCI logo shown.

Tax policy isn’t abstract — it shows up in grocery bills, child care, and monthly budgets.

These examples illustrate what key options could mean for Virginia households — who would also benefit from the wealthy paying their #FairShare.

#Affordability #TaxFairness4Va

Advertisement for a Zoom webinar titled "Holding the Line: Building worker power in the states when federal labor laws are under attack," scheduled for February 19, 2026, at 3 pm. Logos for EPI and EARN are visible, along with icons representing various labor concepts.

Happening Thursday!

Federal labor laws are under attack — and states are stepping in.

Join this convo, including TCI staff, on how state policy can strengthen worker rights and #CollectiveBargaining.

Register today: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7317696...

Safety, Trust, and Affordability: The Real Costs of Federal Immigration Enforcement in Virginia - The Commonwealth Institute Federal immigration enforcement in Virginia affects safety, trust, and affordability as budget cuts shift costs to communities

Safety, trust, and affordability are connected.

Federal funding choices are putting all three at risk in Virginia.

Our new report explains the real costs of federal immigration enforcement.

TCI promotional graphic titled “Virginia Budget Breakdown.” Lists Wednesday, February 25 at 12:00 PM and a “Register Today” button; advertises analysts discussing differences between proposed budgets in education, health care, and next steps. Money background with “20 TCI & Beyond” logo.

Gráfico promocional de TCI titulado “Resumen del Presupuesto Fiscal de Virginia.” Indica miércoles 25 de febrero a las 12:00 PM e invita a registrarse hoy para escuchar a analistas explicar diferencias presupuestarias en educación, salud y próximos pasos de políticas; fondo con billetes y logotipo “20 TCI & Beyond”.

#VaBudget proposals drop February 22.

We’ll spend the following days digging in. On Feb. 25, we'll explain major investments in each proposal, key differences, and where to focus advocacy.

Join us: bit.ly/va-budget-webinar26b

Statement: General Assembly Moves to Finish Path to $15 Minimum Wage, Boosting Pay for 421,000 Workers in Virginia - The Commonwealth Institute Today, Ashley Kenneth, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis released the following statement after the Senate joined the House to pass legislation to reach a $15 minimum...

Higher pay = fewer impossible choices.

#VaLeg passed legislation to reach a $15 #MinimumWage in Virginia. 🎉

Our full statement ⤵️
#RaiseTheWageVa

Statement: Both House and Senate Advance Legislation to End Decades-Long Court Debt - The Commonwealth Institute Today, Kami Blatt, Decriminalization of Poverty Policy Analyst at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI), released the following statement following the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 1...

Court debt shouldn’t follow someone for decades.

#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.

Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees

Budget Matters: A Look at Police Spending In Virginia Localities (Updated Analysis) - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia’s criminal legal system should advance justice and treat people fairly, yet racial injustice and unequal outcomes permeate our system. A long history of discriminatory laws and practices — ra...

As budget proposals take shape, understanding long-term spending trends matters.

We've updated our analysis of state and local police spending across #Virginia, showing changes from 2019.

Read more:

Senate panel advances $48 hike in weekly unemployment benefits

TCI is proud to play a supporting role to improve unemployment benefits alongside advocates and experts from SALT, @vplc.bsky.social, @legalaidjustice.bsky.social, and @nelp.org!

What do tax policies have to do with #affordability? A lot.

Key proposals could lower everyday costs for many Virginia families, and requiring the wealthy to pay their #FairShare could fund critical services that reduce costs elsewhere.

Some examples ⤵️

From History to Harm: Fines and Fees in Virginia — and Who Pays the Price - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia court fines and fees: how it started, who they impact, and why reform matters for fairness and stability.

This session, #VaLeg is shaping the future of court #FinesAndFees.

These policies have a long history — and real consequences.

Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes: