Every person in every community deserves what they need to thrive. Virginia's new two-year budget takes real steps toward racial equity. However, barriers remain and progress continues. bit.ly/2026-budget-racial-equity

Building Opportunity: A Racial Equity Analysis of Virginia’s 2026 Budget Choices - The Commonwealth Institute

Every person in every community deserves to have what they need to thrive. Yet historic and ongoing discrimination has created barriers that continue to limit opportunity for many Black and Latino peo...

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Virginia's state budget had to absorb the fallout from H.R.1. $134M is needed just to administer new federal Medicaid paperwork. 260,000 Virginians could lose coverage; 13 rural hospitals are at risk. State action can only do so much when Congress keeps shifting costs downstream.

Congress shifted the costs and the consequences of Medicaid changes onto Virginia | Guest column

Virginia’s final budget reflects lawmakers’ efforts to cushion the blow of President Trump’s H.R. 1, but with hundreds of thousands of Virginians at risk of losing health coverage and rural

richmond.com

The scales have been tipped for a while: Virginia's data center tax break costs $1.9B/year. This year's budget took a first step toward (temporary) balance. Here's the rundown 👇https://bit.ly/2026-tax-debate

Virginia's new budget invests more in public schools including doubling flexible funding for students with disabilities and boosting support for high-poverty communities. Good progress, but VA still falls billions short of true adequacy. Here's what's in it, and what's next https://bit.ly/4fDYGzM

Looking for a fuller picture of Virginia's #VaBudget? We've expanded our side-by-side comparison to include additional funding and policy decisions on housing, social services, the criminal legal system, and more. Take a look:

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.

thecommonwealthinstitute.org

The #VaBudget compromise is here, and so is our updated side-by-side! Ahead of #VaLeg floor votes, the initial update focuses on key decisions in how we #FundOurSchools, #HealthCare & compensation — and the tax choices that shape these investments. Get yours⤵️

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.

thecommonwealthinstitute.org

The #VaBudget compromise shows what's possible when Virginia asks large, profitable industries to contribute more of their #FairShare. But this is only a first step. Lasting investments in schools and health care require lasting revenue. Our statement:

Budget Compromise Takes Initial Action on Data Centers Paying Their Fair Share, Supporting Stronger Investments in Key Areas - The Commonwealth Institute

Today, Ashley Kenneth, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI), released the following statement on the budget compromise that was announced yesterday: “TCI is thankf...

thecommonwealthinstitute.org

As #VaLeg finalizes the #VaBudget, one thing is clear: making life more affordable requires sustainable revenue. Our latest op-ed explains why data centers should be better neighbors and contribute more to our communities. Read more:

Commonwealth Institute researcher: Affordability hinges on ensuring data centers pay their fair share of taxes

Everyone in Virginia should pay their fair share, and the data center industry is uniquely positioned to pay more in state taxes.

cardinalnews.org

As #VaBudget negotiations continue, we're focused on a key question: How will #VaLeg pay for the investments families need? Lasting solutions to affordability challenges require sustainable revenue — not just one-time funds. 🧵

Virginia took some important steps this year to strengthen protections for immigrant communities. Advocates helped secure limits on certain ICE partnerships, protections for immigrant workers, and other important reforms. Now the work continues.

Virginia Takes Some Steps to Protect Immigrant Communities, More to Do in 2027 - The Commonwealth Institute

Several Virginia immigration laws passed during the 2026 legislative session, while other priorities remain unfinished. Learn what changed and what's next.

thecommonwealthinstitute.org

Virginia's 2026 session: real wins for working people — $15 minimum wage, paid family & medical leave, paid sick days. But collective bargaining was vetoed. Domestic worker overtime punted. H-2 visa farmworkers left out. Progress is real. So is the work ahead. https://bit.ly/4o3MACI

Access to treatment saves lives, and federal Medicaid cuts threaten our progress. #VaLeg should do everything possible to protect access to critical services and carefully implement changes so people can continue getting care.

Opioid overdoses have fallen dramatically in Virginia. Medicaid cuts could threaten treatment access

Virginia recorded one of the steepest declines in overdose deaths nationwide over the past year. But spending reductions in Medicaid, one of the largest payers for addiction and mental health treatmen...

wamu.org

Virginia students deserve schools with the resources they need to thrive — no matter their zip code. As #VaBudget negotiations continue, lawmakers still have choices to make about how to fairly raise the resources to #FundOurSchools. Make your voice heard via @fundourschoolsva.bsky.social

This veto is disappointing, but it doesn't change the growing momentum behind giving public workers a voice on the job. We’ll keep building with workers, advocates & partners to advance #CollectiveBargaining so people can speak up & help shape decisions

Democratic governor axes Virginia public sector collective bargaining bill

The veto comes after the General Assembly rejected sweeping amendments that labor unions argued weakened the legislation.

courthousenews.com

No one should have to choose between taking care of themselves or keeping a paycheck. Paid sick days help workers care for themselves and their families without falling behind on bills. Use @vainterfaith.bsky.social 's action page to support paid sick days in Virginia. ⤵️

Public workers who keep schools, campuses, care systems & public services going deserve a voice on the job. HB1263/SB378 would've expanded #CollectiveBargaining rights in Virginia. We stand w/ workers & partners as the effort continues. From partners ⤵️

Gov. Spanberger Betrays More Than Half a Million Public Service Workers By Vetoing Historic Collective Bargaining Legislation

Email from Muckraker Consulting FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2026 CONTACT: Katie Baker katie@muckrakerbaker.com 740-485-1125 (call or text) Gov. Spanberger Betrays More Than Half a Million Public Ser

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This session, TCI led on legislation that is now signed into law — cutting the statute of limitations on court debt collection from up to 60 years — to 10. This win is one step toward a system that actually supports people's economic future instead of undermining it. https://bit.ly/4nctHx8

Virginia's Criminal Legal System Will be More Fair After This Legislative Session -- What Changed and What's Next - The Commonwealth Institute

Virginia criminal legal system reforms passed this session reduce court debt burdens, improve fairness, and set the stage for further change.

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With Virginia’s budget delayed until June, there’s still time to weigh in. We can build a budget that ends costly giveaways to data centers and invests in what communities need — like schools, health care & affordability. #VaBudget #TaxFairness4Va

No state budget expected until June, speaker says

Data center tax exemptions remain the sticking point amongst budget negotiators, with the Senate in support of ending those exemptions 8 years early in 2027 and the House opposed.

cardinalnews.org

Imagine coming home, working, trying to get back on track — but you're buried in court debt. New laws will make it easier for people to pay down #FinesAndFees and move forward. A step toward a system that supports #SecondChances.

Two bills taking effect this year will make it easier for former inmates to pay down court fines, fees

Two bills taking effect this year will make it easier for former inmates to pay down court fines and fees

richmond.com

Recent op-ed from Virginia #OralHealth leaders: Proposed caps on Medicaid dental benefits could lead to worse health outcomes and higher costs — not savings. As #VaBudget discussions continue, choices like these will shape both cost and access:

Medicaid caps on dental benefits will hurt Virginians who need care most | Guest column

Capping adult Medicaid dental benefits in Virginia would worsen health and job prospects while driving up taxpayer costs by shifting care from affordable prevention to expensive emergency room visits.

richmond.com

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:

Spanberger proposes amendments to immigrant protection bills

Lawmakers say the governor's changes do not meet the urgency of the moment.

vpm.org

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.

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.

demos.org

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

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

richmond.com

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:

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. 🔗

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...

virginiamercury.com

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

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.

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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.

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.

thecommonwealthinstitute.org

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.

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.

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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