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⤵️

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⬇️

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:

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...

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.

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

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: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7317696982592/WN_HxtkoOSzRj-t58OLcjyNSw

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.

#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

Higher pay = fewer impossible choices. #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

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:

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 ⤵️

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:

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.#VaLeg#RaiseTheWageVaore 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

No tax on tips or overtime does little to actually help workers.

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. 🔗

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

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

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

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

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... 🧵

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.

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

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

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)

Data can prevent harm and strengthen communities. Our new report breaks down how racial & ethnic impact statements can improve criminal justice policy in Virginia — and why timing matters.

What does it take to build a Virginia where everyone can thrive? Advocates: Join TCI for a virtual conversation about our 2026 session priorities and how we can invest in our communities. 🔗 Sign up today: bit.ly/tci26priorities-b

As we close out the year, we’re excited to kick off TCI’s 20th anniversary year — and invite you to power the research, partnerships, and advocacy needed in the year ahead. Make your year-end gift today: bit.ly/tci-give #Tci20andBeyond

Team TCI is taking a collective rest through January 1. Won't you join us? #RestIsResistance Have a gentle holiday. We'll see you soon!

What does it take to build a Virginia where everyone can thrive? Advocates: Join TCI for a virtual conversation about our 2026 session priorities and how we can invest in our communities. 🔗 Sign up today: bit.ly/tci26priorities-b

❌Cuts to #HealthCare ❌No improvements for #K12 ❌No new resources to invest in our communities #Virginia can do better — and we must. Our full statement on the outgoing #VaBudget: http://bit.ly/tci-budget-statement-Dec25

Young people are critical leaders in the work to boost #RestorativeJustice practices in schools, which help students repair harm and talk through conflicts. Learn more about the Safe & Restorative Schools Learning Tour ⤵️

"Levi Goren, director of research and ed policy with @tcifiscal.bsky.social, said some of the bright spots potentially favoring K-12’s budget is VA’s 'strong' economy, as reported by the governor’s office, and increased public interest in raising new revenue." virginiamercury.com/2025/12/16/v...

#Virginia’s reliance on #FinesAndFees that perpetuate harm against Black Virginians is shaped by nearly 400 years of laws Recognizing this history helps us reshape a fairer and more equitable future. #HonestHistory 🔗via @wric.com

Our latest report highlights Virginia’s history of shaping its laws to curb progress by and for Black communities. These choices set the stage for today’s #FinesAndFees system, which continues to trap families in cycles of poverty. #HonestHistory

"The public benefit of the education of any one individual — and the collective of all students — is profound in terms of social cohesion and economic success, so society has a vested interest in supporting public education as a public good." www.learningforjustice.org/magazine/why...

Affordable, high-quality #ChildCare & early ed helps children thrive — and the benefits ripple throughout communities, improving well-being & opportunity for years to come. Yet it's out of reach for many #Virginia families. Some next steps⤵️

Localities need tools to raise revenue in a more fair way. More options could help local governments invest in the needs of their communities and avoid raising other taxes that ask more of families with less. #TaxFairness4Va

#Virginia localities lack fair tools to fund schools, child care, and essential services. Our new report shows how giving local govs more flexibility can boost #TaxFairness4Va and protect family budgets. Details ⤵️

#Virginia has long underfunded key programs — and federal cuts will only deepen the strain. #VaLeg faces tough choices, but TCI’s new report outlines commonsense tax reforms that can increase fairness and boost community investment. #VaBudget Details ⤵

On #VeteransDay, we honor those who served — and recognize many still face barriers to affordable #HealthCare. Federal Medicaid cuts will make it more difficult, but Virginia’s leaders can choose solutions that make sure all families get the care they deserve