Economic Security for Virginia’s families shouldn’t be an aspiration; it should be a guarantee. Yet, too many families across the commonwealth face impossible choices between putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, and affording childcare. As budget conferees get underway in the next few weeks, crafting Virginia’s final spending plan, several proposed amendments offer pathways to meaningfully reduce poverty and strengthen family stability.  

Why This Matters Now 

Across Virginia, 66% of families with children report having at least some difficulty keeping up with everyday expenses. This financial strain isn’t just about spreadsheets and statistics, it’s about caregivers losing sleep over how to afford their children’s next meal, families one emergency away from housing instability, and children growing up without the resources they need to thrive.  

The good news is that we know what works. With expanded economic security programs during the pandemic, child poverty dropped to historic lows. Research consistently shows that direct economic support, whether through tax credits, or nutrition assistance, lifts families out of poverty and improves long-term outcomes for children. The budget amendments currently under consideration represent opportunities to build on that evidence.  

Fair Revenue Raising: Ensuring the Wealthiest Virginians Pay their Fair Share 

SB 30, Item 4-14 #1s (Sen. Locke) and #6s (Sen. Salim)  

Two Senate amendments propose establishing a 10% tax bracket for taxable income over $1 million, generating an estimated $3-5 billion in revenue biannually that could be invested in services and support for Virginia’s children and families.  

Virginia’s current tax code asks too little from those who can afford to contribute more while underfunding critical services for those who need support most. 
Establishing a higher tax bracket for millionaires would make our tax system more equitable and generate substantial revenue for investments in education, health care, and childcare. These budget amendments work in tandem with bill legislation for this session that you can support here.

Reducing Red Tape in Nutrition Assistance 

HB 30, Item 328 #3h (Del. Cousins) Language-only amendment 

This technical amendment directs the Department of Social Services to implement protocols that reduce unnecessary paperwork in SNAP cases, helping to lower Virginia’s SNAP error rate while making it easier for eligible families to access nutrition assistance. 

Burdensome paperwork requirements create barriers that prevent families from accessing food assistance they’re entitled to receive. By streamlining processes, Virginia can reduce administrative burden on both families and case workers while ensuring that children don’t go hungry because of bureaucratic obstacles. 

Tax Policy Work for Working Families: Child Tax Credits 

SB 30, Item 0 #23s (Sen. Aird)  

Establishes a refundable $300 credit per child aged 12 or younger for households making up to $100,000 in adjusted gross income, with an estimated cost of $235 million each year. 

Child tax credits are among the most effective anti-poverty tools available, with research showing they reduce child poverty, improve health outcomes, and enhance long-term economic mobility. During the pandemic, the expanded federal Child Tax Credit cut child poverty nearly in half. These state-level proposals would provide meaningful financial relief to Virginia families.  

What Happens Next?

These budget amendments are currently under consideration as we approach crossover, the point at which bills move from one chamber to the other. After crossover, the House and Senate will negotiate their budget differences, with conferees ultimately crafting a final spending plan.

The amendments outlined here represent real opportunities to reduce child poverty, strengthen family economic security, and build a more equitable Virginia. However, none of these investments are guaranteed; they require sustained advocacy and clear voices demanding that lawmakers prioritize children and families throughout the budget process.

As legislators consider these proposals, they must remember that economic security policies aren’t abstract line items; they’re about ensuring that every Virginia child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their family income.

Take Action

Virginia’s budget should reflect our values and our commitment to the next generation. We urge advocates to contact their legislators and the budget conferees to ensure these critical economic security investments make it into the final spending plan.

---