Our Priorities
Families in Virginia are financially secure and able to provide a healthy life for their young people.
Economic hardship impacts every aspect of a young person’s life—determining whether they have access to food, housing, health care, child care, and transportation. As pandemic-era supports such as the expanded federal Child Tax Credit, expanded SNAP benefits, and universal school meals have come to an end, families continue to be faced with rapid inflation and the rising costs of utilities, food, and household necessities. As such, families are reporting higher levels of food insecurity—with 11.7% of children living in food insecure households in Virginia—and we are seeing a sharp increase in child poverty.
Investment
Establish a state-level Child Tax Credit to provide a refundable $500 tax credit per child under 18 in households earning less than $100,000. Expand the state-level Earned Income Tax Credit to increase refundability to 20% of the federal credit and expand eligibility to ITIN filers.
Benefits
Establish the “Healthy Working Families Act” to ensure that all workers in Virginia have access to paid sick days. Address the impacts of food deserts and diet-related illnesses by establishing a “Food is Medicine” Medicaid benefit through a Section 1115 waiver.
Access
Fund “School Meals for All” to ensure that children have access to school breakfast and lunch at no cost. Support “Hunger Free Campus” legislation to address food insecurity on college campuses.
Stability
Foster financial security by strengthening safety net resources for families such as TANF cash assistance and SNAP nutrition benefits.
Resources
Giving
Invest in Virginia’s Future TODAY
Each gift you give enables the Voices team to further advocate for young people, conduct vital research, and educate the public.
Explore Ways to Give