TCI
@tcifiscal.bsky.social
The Commonwealth Institute: Advancing racial and economic justice in Virginia through public policy designed in partnership and shaped by research.
Higher pay = fewer impossible choices.
#VaLeg passed legislation to reach a $15 #MinimumWage in Virginia. 🎉
Our full statement ⤵️
#RaiseTheWageVa
#VaLeg passed legislation to reach a $15 #MinimumWage in Virginia. 🎉
Our full statement ⤵️
#RaiseTheWageVa
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...
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 16, 2026 at 6:55 PM
Higher pay = fewer impossible choices.
#VaLeg passed legislation to reach a $15 #MinimumWage in Virginia. 🎉
Our full statement ⤵️
#RaiseTheWageVa
#VaLeg passed legislation to reach a $15 #MinimumWage in Virginia. 🎉
Our full statement ⤵️
#RaiseTheWageVa
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
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
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...
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 13, 2026 at 10:36 PM
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
#VaLeg advanced a 10-year limit to give more people a real chance to move forward.
Read the statement ⤵️
#FinesAndFees
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:
We've updated our analysis of state and local police spending across #Virginia, showing changes from 2019.
Read more:
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...
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 13, 2026 at 8:14 PM
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:
We've updated our analysis of state and local police spending across #Virginia, showing changes from 2019.
Read more:
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!
Senate panel advances $48 hike in weekly unemployment benefits
richmond.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:56 PM
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 ⤵️
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 ⤵️
How Key Tax Proposals Would Improve Affordability in Virginia - The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia is considering new tax proposals in 2026 to make everyday costs more affordable, including changes to income and grocery taxes.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 12, 2026 at 8:45 PM
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 ⤵️
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 ⤵️
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:
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
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.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 12, 2026 at 4:03 PM
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:
These policies have a long history — and real consequences.
Our summary explains why that history should guide today’s votes:
Budget choices decide whether we pay our #FairShare together — or families pay later through fees, debt, and higher bills.
📢 Ask lawmakers to invest in affordability 🔗⤵️
#VaBudget
📢 Ask lawmakers to invest in affordability 🔗⤵️
#VaBudget
Take Action: Invest in Affordability - The Commonwealth Institute
To invest in affordability, Virginia must fix its upside-down tax code and fund the basics families need to thrive.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
February 11, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Budget choices decide whether we pay our #FairShare together — or families pay later through fees, debt, and higher bills.
📢 Ask lawmakers to invest in affordability 🔗⤵️
#VaBudget
📢 Ask lawmakers to invest in affordability 🔗⤵️
#VaBudget
Today, TCI staff joined community members at The Valentine to celebrate the life of Bill Martin.
The space was filled with stories, laughter, and reflection — a fitting tribute for someone whose work helped to preserve and amplify community stories.
The space was filled with stories, laughter, and reflection — a fitting tribute for someone whose work helped to preserve and amplify community stories.
February 7, 2026 at 11:35 PM
Today, TCI staff joined community members at The Valentine to celebrate the life of Bill Martin.
The space was filled with stories, laughter, and reflection — a fitting tribute for someone whose work helped to preserve and amplify community stories.
The space was filled with stories, laughter, and reflection — a fitting tribute for someone whose work helped to preserve and amplify community stories.
When schools and health care are underfunded, Virginia families pay one bill at a time — medical debt, tutoring, late fees...
A Virginia #FairShare tax would help lower those costs. A #VaLeg committee will hear the bills Monday.
Details 🔗 bit.ly/fair-share-affordability
A Virginia #FairShare tax would help lower those costs. A #VaLeg committee will hear the bills Monday.
Details 🔗 bit.ly/fair-share-affordability
February 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
When schools and health care are underfunded, Virginia families pay one bill at a time — medical debt, tutoring, late fees...
A Virginia #FairShare tax would help lower those costs. A #VaLeg committee will hear the bills Monday.
Details 🔗 bit.ly/fair-share-affordability
A Virginia #FairShare tax would help lower those costs. A #VaLeg committee will hear the bills Monday.
Details 🔗 bit.ly/fair-share-affordability
There’s a lot of noise about taxes right now.
The truth 👉Many proposals would lower costs for most #Virginia families and help make our tax code more fair by getting millionaires to pay their #FairShare
#VaLeg
The truth 👉Many proposals would lower costs for most #Virginia families and help make our tax code more fair by getting millionaires to pay their #FairShare
#VaLeg
February 6, 2026 at 8:08 PM
There’s a lot of noise about taxes right now.
The truth 👉Many proposals would lower costs for most #Virginia families and help make our tax code more fair by getting millionaires to pay their #FairShare
#VaLeg
The truth 👉Many proposals would lower costs for most #Virginia families and help make our tax code more fair by getting millionaires to pay their #FairShare
#VaLeg
Virginia’s budget should choose care over corporate tax cuts.
Our latest analysis shows where Youngkin's #VaBudget proposal puts #HealthCare and #SNAP food assistance at risk — and the opportunities #VaLeg has to choose a better path.
Our latest analysis shows where Youngkin's #VaBudget proposal puts #HealthCare and #SNAP food assistance at risk — and the opportunities #VaLeg has to choose a better path.
Choosing Care Over Corporate Tax Cuts: A Better Path for Virginia’s Budget - The Commonwealth Institute
What’s at stake in the Virginia health care budget discussion: prenatal care, provider access, dental benefits, SNAP, and ACA coverage.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
January 29, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Virginia’s budget should choose care over corporate tax cuts.
Our latest analysis shows where Youngkin's #VaBudget proposal puts #HealthCare and #SNAP food assistance at risk — and the opportunities #VaLeg has to choose a better path.
Our latest analysis shows where Youngkin's #VaBudget proposal puts #HealthCare and #SNAP food assistance at risk — and the opportunities #VaLeg has to choose a better path.
Yesterday PM, a #VaLeg House committee advanced a bill to #RaiseTheWageVa to $15 by 2028.
Next step: The House floor. 🎉
"Boosting the minimum wage is good affordability policy," says @epi.org. More details here: bit.ly/epi-min-wage
Next step: The House floor. 🎉
"Boosting the minimum wage is good affordability policy," says @epi.org. More details here: bit.ly/epi-min-wage
January 29, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Yesterday PM, a #VaLeg House committee advanced a bill to #RaiseTheWageVa to $15 by 2028.
Next step: The House floor. 🎉
"Boosting the minimum wage is good affordability policy," says @epi.org. More details here: bit.ly/epi-min-wage
Next step: The House floor. 🎉
"Boosting the minimum wage is good affordability policy," says @epi.org. More details here: bit.ly/epi-min-wage
That feeling when your bill to ensure people have quality representation during their first court appearance (HB127) advances through a committee unanimously!! 🎉🎉
#PreTrialJustice
#PreTrialJustice
January 29, 2026 at 1:14 AM
That feeling when your bill to ensure people have quality representation during their first court appearance (HB127) advances through a committee unanimously!! 🎉🎉
#PreTrialJustice
#PreTrialJustice
Virginia made real progress by making the #EarnedIncomeTaxCredit refundable — but that progress is temporary.
Without #VaLeg action, families could see a tax increase after 2026.
It’s time to strengthen Virginia’s #EITC and make it permanent.
🔗
Without #VaLeg action, families could see a tax increase after 2026.
It’s time to strengthen Virginia’s #EITC and make it permanent.
🔗
From Progress to Permanence and Beyond: Strengthening Virginia’s EITC - The Commonwealth Institute
Strengthening Virginia’s EITC helps working families manage rising costs. Making the refundable credit permanent and more robust is critical.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Virginia made real progress by making the #EarnedIncomeTaxCredit refundable — but that progress is temporary.
Without #VaLeg action, families could see a tax increase after 2026.
It’s time to strengthen Virginia’s #EITC and make it permanent.
🔗
Without #VaLeg action, families could see a tax increase after 2026.
It’s time to strengthen Virginia’s #EITC and make it permanent.
🔗
Expanded ICE funding is bringing harm and instability to communities, paid for by cuts to food assistance and health care.
Dignity and safety must remain central.
Our network partner, @mnbudgetproject.bsky.social, shares more on the impacts
Dignity and safety must remain central.
Our network partner, @mnbudgetproject.bsky.social, shares more on the impacts
More guns, less butter: How massive federal funding increases for ICE are costing us all - Minnesota Budget Project
In Minnesota, we are seeing firsthand how this redistribution of public dollars to add guns to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) is not working for everyday people.
mnbudgetproject.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Expanded ICE funding is bringing harm and instability to communities, paid for by cuts to food assistance and health care.
Dignity and safety must remain central.
Our network partner, @mnbudgetproject.bsky.social, shares more on the impacts
Dignity and safety must remain central.
Our network partner, @mnbudgetproject.bsky.social, shares more on the impacts
Reposted by TCI
Virginia lawmakers are poised to consider legislation extending full collective bargaining rights to public employees at all levels of state and local government.
👉 Strong unions make stronger communities 👈
EPI's @jensherer.bsky.social and @moniquemorrissey.bsky.social break it down
👉 Strong unions make stronger communities 👈
EPI's @jensherer.bsky.social and @moniquemorrissey.bsky.social break it down
Stronger collective bargaining laws will benefit all Virginians
Key takeaways Proposed state legislation to extend full, equal collective bargaining rights to all state and local government workers can help Virginia: reduce the state’s large public-sector pay gap ...
www.epi.org
January 23, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Virginia lawmakers are poised to consider legislation extending full collective bargaining rights to public employees at all levels of state and local government.
👉 Strong unions make stronger communities 👈
EPI's @jensherer.bsky.social and @moniquemorrissey.bsky.social break it down
👉 Strong unions make stronger communities 👈
EPI's @jensherer.bsky.social and @moniquemorrissey.bsky.social break it down
Reposted by TCI
Adopting a wealth proceeds tax is an equitable and straightforward option that would raise significant revenue, and help states mitigate the harm caused to people and communities by recent federal policies such as the Republican megabill: www.cbpp.org/blog/states-...
States Should Adopt the Wealth Proceeds Tax to Raise New Revenue
State policymakers should raise revenue to mitigate the harm to people and communities caused by federal actions and to expand critical investments that support a more prosperous future for all.
www.cbpp.org
January 23, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Adopting a wealth proceeds tax is an equitable and straightforward option that would raise significant revenue, and help states mitigate the harm caused to people and communities by recent federal policies such as the Republican megabill: www.cbpp.org/blog/states-...
#VaLeg must decide: mimic harmful federal tax changes in state code or protect our resources to #FundOurSchools, #HealthCare, and other shared priorities.
Our new report explains the debate ⤵️
#TaxFairness4Va #VaBudget
Our new report explains the debate ⤵️
#TaxFairness4Va #VaBudget
Time to Reexamine Virginia’s Relationship with the Federal Tax Code - The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia tax conformity debate: explore how aligning with federal tax changes affects state revenue and policy priorities.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
January 22, 2026 at 5:15 PM
#VaLeg must decide: mimic harmful federal tax changes in state code or protect our resources to #FundOurSchools, #HealthCare, and other shared priorities.
Our new report explains the debate ⤵️
#TaxFairness4Va #VaBudget
Our new report explains the debate ⤵️
#TaxFairness4Va #VaBudget
Parents #GottaHaveChildCare, and that requires greater investment.
We were proud to advocate alongside so many parents yesterday, one of whom proudly told #VaLeg to have the "will to find the funding needed for our families." #VaPromise
We were proud to advocate alongside so many parents yesterday, one of whom proudly told #VaLeg to have the "will to find the funding needed for our families." #VaPromise
Parents flood Va. General Assembly to advocate more for early childhood care options and access • Virginia Mercury
On Wednesday, parents and supporters at the state Capitol on Wednesday urged lawmakers to expand early childhood care options. The group addressed the urgent demand for high-quality child care and pre...
virginiamercury.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Parents #GottaHaveChildCare, and that requires greater investment.
We were proud to advocate alongside so many parents yesterday, one of whom proudly told #VaLeg to have the "will to find the funding needed for our families." #VaPromise
We were proud to advocate alongside so many parents yesterday, one of whom proudly told #VaLeg to have the "will to find the funding needed for our families." #VaPromise
Big day at the General Assembly 🎉 #VaLeg
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
January 21, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Big day at the General Assembly 🎉 #VaLeg
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
Three #FinesAndFees bills advancing today — with strong and bipartisan support in some cases — would make Virginia’s court debt system fairer, clearer, and more effective... 🧵
The question isn't whether #RestorativeJustice works, because we know it works.
The real question is whether #VaLeg will choose to enact change to #SupportOurStudents.
The real question is whether #VaLeg will choose to enact change to #SupportOurStudents.
Why Virginia must act now to build safe and restorative schools | Guest column
More than a dozen school divisions across Virginia have implemented restorative approaches with promising results, this columnist writes. These practices keep students in the classroom, reduce referra...
richmond.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:52 PM
The question isn't whether #RestorativeJustice works, because we know it works.
The real question is whether #VaLeg will choose to enact change to #SupportOurStudents.
The real question is whether #VaLeg will choose to enact change to #SupportOurStudents.
A balanced budget isn’t the same as a strong budget.
Our latest report explains why Virginia needs new, sustainable revenues to invest in families & communities.
#VaBudget
Our latest report explains why Virginia needs new, sustainable revenues to invest in families & communities.
#VaBudget
The State of State Revenues: Tight Budget Year Shows Why Virginia Needs New Revenues - The Commonwealth Institute
Virginia state revenues show why one-time funds aren’t enough — and why new, sustainable revenues are needed to invest in communities.
thecommonwealthinstitute.org
January 20, 2026 at 7:54 PM
A balanced budget isn’t the same as a strong budget.
Our latest report explains why Virginia needs new, sustainable revenues to invest in families & communities.
#VaBudget
Our latest report explains why Virginia needs new, sustainable revenues to invest in families & communities.
#VaBudget
House Labor & Commerce advanced Del.
@jeionward.bsky.social's bill to #RaiseTheWageVa! 🎉
#VaLeg should keep moving this critical policy forward.
$15 by 2028 would boost pay for 400,000+ people in Virginia.
We were proud to join so many in support, because #PeopleAreTheEconomy
@jeionward.bsky.social's bill to #RaiseTheWageVa! 🎉
#VaLeg should keep moving this critical policy forward.
$15 by 2028 would boost pay for 400,000+ people in Virginia.
We were proud to join so many in support, because #PeopleAreTheEconomy
January 20, 2026 at 7:00 PM
House Labor & Commerce advanced Del.
@jeionward.bsky.social's bill to #RaiseTheWageVa! 🎉
#VaLeg should keep moving this critical policy forward.
$15 by 2028 would boost pay for 400,000+ people in Virginia.
We were proud to join so many in support, because #PeopleAreTheEconomy
@jeionward.bsky.social's bill to #RaiseTheWageVa! 🎉
#VaLeg should keep moving this critical policy forward.
$15 by 2028 would boost pay for 400,000+ people in Virginia.
We were proud to join so many in support, because #PeopleAreTheEconomy
As the 2026 #VaLeg session begins, Senate Ed & Health: Public Ed subcommittee started strong, unanimously supporting Sen. Locke's #ChildCare bills to improve stability, affordability, & access (incl. ending the benefits cliff via SB20 & clarifying cost calculations via SB134)
January 15, 2026 at 9:37 PM
As the 2026 #VaLeg session begins, Senate Ed & Health: Public Ed subcommittee started strong, unanimously supporting Sen. Locke's #ChildCare bills to improve stability, affordability, & access (incl. ending the benefits cliff via SB20 & clarifying cost calculations via SB134)