TCI

Meeting Local Needs with Fairer Local Taxes - The Commonwealth Institute Explore how increasing flexibility for local revenue in Virginia can promote tax fairness and help localities meet unique community needs.

#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 ⤵️

Policy Choices to Protect and Increase Investment in Virginia Communities - The Commonwealth Institute Reforming Virginia’s tax code can create a fairer system, strengthen communities, and help us invest in the future. Here are some options.

#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 ⤵

Federal Medicaid Cuts Would Especially Harm Virginia Military Members, Veterans, New Parents, and People in Rural Areas - The Commonwealth Institute No one should have to choose between their health and keeping the lights on. That’s why Medicaid/CHIP plays a critical role across the commonwealth, providing nearly 2 million people in Virginia with ...

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

It was wonderful to keynote The Commonwealth Institute’s Annual Policy Summit today! The research, advocacy, & coalition-building done by TCI & partner organizations are always vital, but are even more salient now as we face a multitude of crises in health care, housing, education, & more.

TCI's 2025 Policy Summit - The Commonwealth Institute Engage with community partners, advocates, and other leading voices at TCI's 2025 Policy Summit to gain new skills and expand our advocacy.

I hope to see you Monday at the @tcifiscal.bsky.social Policy Summit in Richmond! Our new LG @senatorhashmi.bsky.social is keynoting. Conference brings together policy experts, advocates, and service providers- an intersection we need more often!
thecommonwealthinstitute.org/policy-summi...

Insurance prices rise and open enrollment begins as advocates call for action Virginians who get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are facing sharp increases in monthly premiums as open enrollment kicks off Nov. 1.

More families will face difficult choices: put food on the table, pay for other family needs, or seek #HealthCare.

Federal lawmakers must extend enhanced subsidies that help people afford health coverage.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/11/01/health-insurance-costs-rise/?share=hoewlc1ps0cehttc0clh

Graphic showing "77% of Americans want Congress to extend premium tax credit enhancements," illustrated with an image of a pie chart designed as a literal pie. Fall leaves decorate the corners.

77% of us agree that Congress should renew the Premium Tax Credit enhancements before they expire this year. It's a no-brainer.

The credit boost helps over 20 million of us cover high medical costs and get the care we need. So why hasn't Congress renewed it already?
#HealthCare

The Trump Administration will let millions of Americans go hungry.

I joined @pwcdanica.bsky.social, @voicesforvakids.bsky.social, @tcifiscal.bsky.social, The Federation of Virginia Food Banks and SNAP recipients to urge the USDA to use its reserves to extend SNAP benefits into November.

A cat sits near a laptop displaying charts on the screen, with textbooks and a coffee cup to the side, set against a patterned wallpaper background.

It's #FactCheckFriday at TCI, and it seems everyone's involved, including the #PetsOfTCI.

Credibility _is_ the cat's meow.

We know it's rough for many people right now, so Simba hopes he brought you some joy today.

As federal shutdown continues, advocates call for stopgap SNAP funding As the government shutdown enters a fourth week, hunger is a growing concern as grocery bills remain high and federal assistance programs run out of money.

"[USDA] has the legal authority and arguably the legal req. to keep as much #SNAP benefits as they can going in November," says TCI's Levi Goren.

"It would be a choice to cut off all benefits on November 1, and that's a choice they should not make."

TCI's 2025 Policy Summit - The Commonwealth Institute Engage with community partners, advocates, and other leading voices at TCI's 2025 Policy Summit to gain new skills and expand our advocacy.

🔥 ¡Las sesiones de #TciSummit2025 están en vivo!

Escucha a la Sen. Hashmi y explora temas como impuestos justos, derechos de los trabajadores, justicia para inmigrantes y más.

🗓️ 10 de noviembre | Richmond
🎟️ Regístrate: bit.ly/tci-summit25

TCI's 2025 Policy Summit - The Commonwealth Institute Engage with community partners, advocates, and other leading voices at TCI's 2025 Policy Summit to gain new skills and expand our advocacy.

🔥 #TciSummit2025 sessions are live!

Hear from Sen. Hashmi + explore fair taxes, workers’ rights, immigrant justice, and more.

🗓️ Nov. 10 | Richmond
🎟️ Register: bit.ly/tci-summit25

Still Moving Forward: Continued Opportunities to Create Good Jobs in Virginia - The Commonwealth Institute Virginia can still create good jobs by leveraging federal investments and strong labor standards that build a fair, thriving economy for all.

#Virginia has a narrowing but critical window to turn historic federal investments into lasting gains for working people.

We can also take our place among states leading the way in #StrongLaborStandards. Details ⤵️

Volante de la Cumbre de Políticas Anual de TCI. El encabezado dice “Oradora principal de apertura: Sen. Ghazala Hashmi.” Incluye una foto de la senadora Hashmi frente a las banderas de Estados Unidos y Virginia. Detalles del evento: Lunes 10 de noviembre, de 8:30 AM a 4:00 PM, en Richmond, VA. Enlace de registro: bit.ly/tci-summit25. De fondo, personas sentadas en mesas durante una conferencia. Logotipo de The Commonwealth Institute en la parte inferior.

¡Buenas noticias! 🎉

@senatorhashmi.bsky.social una líder poderosa en educación pública y equidad en Virginia, será la oradora principal de la Cumbre de Políticas 2025 de TCI el 10 de noviembre.

¡Regístrate antes del 12 de octubre y ahorra $25! bit.ly/tci-summit25

Flyer for TCI’s Annual Policy Summit. The headline reads “Opening Keynote Speaker: Sen. Ghazala Hashmi.” Includes a photo of Sen. Hashmi in front of U.S. and Virginia flags. Event details: Monday, November 10, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Richmond, VA. Registration link: bit.ly/tci-summit25. The background shows people seated at tables during a conference. Logo of The Commonwealth Institute at the bottom.

Exciting news! 🎉

@senatorhashmi.bsky.social — a leading voice for education & equity in Virginia — will keynote TCI’s 2025 Policy Summit on Nov. 10.

Register by Oct. 12 & save $25! bit.ly/tci-summit25

Flyer titled “How Might Federal Choices Impact You?” from TCI. It announces a virtual discussion about recent changes to Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and other federal programs, and how they affect communities. Includes photos of a doctor checking a patient’s blood pressure, children doing a classroom activity, and two people grocery shopping. Event date: October 8, 2025, 6:30–7:30 pm. RSVP link: bit.ly/tci-fed-impacts.

Folleto titulado "¿Cómo podrían afectarle las decisiones federales?" de TCI. Anuncia una conversación virtual sobre los cambios recientes en Medicaid, la asistencia alimentaria SNAP y otros programas federales, y cómo afectan a las comunidades. Incluye fotos de un médico tomando la presión arterial a un paciente, niños participando en una actividad escolar y dos personas haciendo la compra. Fecha del evento: 8 de octubre de 2025, 18:30–19:30 h. Enlace de registro: bit.ly/tci-fed-impacts.

Join us on Wednesday. Register today.

Únase a nosotros el miércoles. Regístrese hoy.

bit.ly/tci-fed-impacts

Gráfico promocional para La Cumbre de Políticas Anual de TCI. Muestra una sala llena de personas escuchando una presentación. El texto dice: ‘La Cumbre de Políticas Anual de TCI. ¡Regístrate hoy! Lunes 10 de noviembre, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Richmond, VA. Visita el siguiente enlace para registrarte: bit.ly/tci-summit25.’ Logotipo de The Commonwealth Institute

El futuro de Virginia está en nuestras manos.

Únete a la #TCISummit2025 el 10 de noviembre en Richmond — un día para conectarnos, aprender y crear soluciones.

🎟️ Regístrate antes del 12 de octubre y ahorra $25 o elige “paga lo que puedas”. bit.ly/tci-summit25

Promotional graphic for TCI’s Annual Policy Summit. Shows a room full of people attending a presentation. Text reads: ‘TCI’s Annual Policy Summit. Register Now! Monday, November 10, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Richmond, VA. Visit the link below to register: bit.ly/tci-summit25.’ Logo of The Commonwealth Institute.

Virginia’s future is in our hands.

Join us for TCI’s Annual Policy Summit on Nov. 10 in Richmond — a day to connect, learn & shape bold solutions for our communities. #TCISummit2025

🎟️ Register by Oct. 12 to save $25 or “pay what you can.” bit.ly/tci-summit25

Virginia’s Federal Jobs Landscape Amid a Potential Federal Shutdown - The Commonwealth Institute With a pending federal shutdown on September 30, 2025, this update provides information on the federal government's role in Virginia’s economy.

With a potential #GovernmentShutdown looming -- midnight on September 30 -- we've updated our brief with information on the role of the federal government in Virginia’s economy.

Get it here ⤵️

Virginia’s Criminal Legal System: 10 Truths We Need to Talk About - The Commonwealth Institute Misinformation often stands in the way of good policy. These key facts about Virginia's criminal legal system can help us to advance justice.

Everyone in Virginia deserves to live in a safe community w/ opportunities to thrive and be treated with fairness & dignity by the criminal legal system.

But misinformation often stands in the way of good policy.

Here's 10 truths we need to talk about💬

Advertisement for a job opening at TCI for Communications & Engagement Associate. Features a megaphone graphic with 'We're Hiring' text and a background image of a someone speaking to a camera. Visit our website to apply bit.ly/tci-careers

You could play a critical role in centering impacted communities in our work and making the work more accessible to a wide variety of audiences.

Get the details: bit.ly/tci-careers

Promotional poster for TCI Collective Power's annual fundraiser, featuring guest speaker Del. Kathy Tran and blues musician Mojo Parker. Event details: September 25, 5:30 PM - 8 PM, at Black Olive, 13 Broad St., Richmond, VA. More information and tickets can be found at bit.ly/tci-resilience

Today's the last day to sign up for Collective Power!

Get your tickets: bit.ly/tci-resilience

It's the night out you've been looking for: Good food, craft cocktails, the insights of Del. @kathykltran.bsky.social and more, all to the backdrop of live Blues courtesy of Mojo Parker.

From Progress to Peril: The Rise in Virginia's Uninsured Rate and the Policy Path Forward - The Commonwealth Institute After making critical progress to increase health coverage, Virginia's uninsured rate rose significantly in 2024. Here's what we can do.

After years of progress, recent #CensusData shows a rise in the number of people in #Virginia without health coverage in 2024.

Federal choices will only make this worse.

Details and what #VaLeg can do ⤵️

Promotional poster for "Federal Threats and Disruption in the DMV," a virtual conversation hosted by the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. The poster features an image of the U.S. Capitol Building with event details for September 18, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM ET.

Join TCI, @dcfpi.bsky.social, @mdeconomy.bsky.social, and Immigration Research Initiative to discuss the wide-ranging harm of mass deportation.

We’ll highlight how these policies harm families, threaten our economy & disrupt communities in the DMV.

Register now: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Fortunately, #VaLeg has options to connect people to #HealthCare, such as critical investmensts to reduce barriers to #Medicaid enrollment and creating state based #ACA targeted subsidies.

Due to provisions in H.R. 1 (i.e. Trump's budget bill) and the upcoming expiration of the enhanced premium tax credits, a further 349,000 people In Virginia are expected to be kicked off or priced out of coverage in the coming years.

Thursday's ACS #CensusData shows that Virginia's uninsured rate jumped from 6.4% to 6.9% in the past year, meaning 50,000 more people were without health coverage.

Impacts of Recent Federal Bill (OBBB) on Virginia’s Budget - The Commonwealth Institute By understanding the federal impact on Virginia's budget, we will be better equipped to respond to challenges posed by recent Medicaid and SNAP choices.

The recent federal bill will be damaging to the people of Virginia and also to our state’s capacity to help families meet their basic needs.

More details on the growing cost for the #VaBudget. ⤵️

As we approach #LaborDay, we have a new report on why #VAleg should expand collective bargaining rights to improve public services we all rely on, from our classrooms to our health departments. You can see the full report here: https://bit.ly/VA_CB

Flyer for the Virginia Justice Conference. Header text: “Virginia Justice Conference.” Description reads: “The inaugural conference, resource fair, expungement clinic, and awards & sneaker ball are to bring the Virginia justice community together to learn, teach, and strategize for the upcoming year, and celebrate together.” Event dates: “September 11th, 12th, & 20th.” Day of Learning: September 11, 2025 – Panels, Resource Fair, Learning Sessions, Voices from the Inside Day of Action: September 12, 2025 – Panels, Resource Fair, Strategy Sessions, Free Expungement Clinic Day of Celebration: September 20, 2025 – Justice Conference Awards, Sneaker Ball, Fundraiser, Fellowship Includes QR code and logo for Nolef Turns. Background is teal and blue gradient with black paint accents.

Flyer promoting the 2025 Virginia Justice Awards & Sneaker Ball. Text reads: “Sept 20, 7 PM to 11 PM, Black Olive Pizzeria, 13 W. Broad St, Richmond, VA. Cash Bar · DJ Lonnie B. Early bird ticket prices available.” Features large graphic of white Air Jordan sneakers on the right. Includes Nolef Turns logo, QR code, and Virginia Justice Conference branding.

Headshot of Amy Wentz with long straight hair, smiling against a white background. The text reads: “2025 Virginia Justice Conference, September 11–12, 2025. Speaker Amy Wentz. Join me at the 2025 Virginia Justice Conference in Richmond, VA. www.virginiajusticeconference.com.” Design includes teal and blue color blocks.

Headshot of Kami Blatt with long blonde hair, smiling against a white background. The text reads: “2025 Virginia Justice Conference, September 11–12, 2025. Speaker Kami Blatt. Join me at the 2025 Virginia Justice Conference in Richmond, VA. www.virginiajusticeconference.com.” Design uses teal and blue color blocks.

Tickets are live! Join us at the Virginia Justice Conference Sept 11–12 in Richmond + Awards & Sneaker Ball Sept 20!
✅ Panels, strategy sessions
✅ Resource fair & expungement clinic
✅ Community & advocacy
Hear from @TCI staff Amy Wentz & Kami Blatt!
https://bit.ly/VAJC25
#VALeg #VAJusticeConference