Dear ,

Virginia’s minimum wage will increase on May 1, 2021 from $7.25 per hour to $9.50 per hour – thanks to your advocacy.  Approximately 400,000 Virginians will see their wages increase, about half whose wages are below $9.50 per hour and half whose wages will go up as employers adjust their wage scales to reflect the increases in the lowest wages.  VICPP anchored the faith-based advocacy in the minimum wage coalition in 2020 when the bill to increase the minimum wage passed. Below are fact sheets in English and Spanish on the new minimum wage that you can share with your congregation and friends.  

The minimum wage will continue to increase over the next few years, but it is still not enough for families (or even individuals in most communities) to survive, let alone thrive.  Although VICPP strongly supports having core standards, like the minimum wage and paid sick days for all, we also believe employers should be encouraged to provide higher wages and benefits. 

VICPP sponsors a Living Wage Certification program that enables local communities to recognize and honor employers that provide “living wages,” in their communities.  Currently active programs operate in Richmond, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, and there is interest in northern Virginia and the James River Valley. The “gold” standard is in the $15-16 range. We recognize that for many individuals and families, even a “gold” standard is not enough for them to thrive. Living wage programs serve as levers to raise wage standards in many low-wage sectors. I love to be able to support employers that pay decent wages, especially in sectors like restaurants, landscape, janitorial and retail that are notorious for poverty wages (and wage theft). Please visit our website, www.livingwageva.org to learn more.  Support the living wage businesses if they are in your community.  Suggest other businesses we should certify. Explore developing a program in your community. For more information, contact jase@virginiainterfaithcenter.org.    

Thank you again for advocating an increase in the minimum wage.  Your letters, calls and emails matter in people’s lives! 

Minimum Wage Fact Sheets:

English

Español

  
Gratefully, 
 
Kim Bobo 
Executive Director 

Among the many crucial contributions made to medical research, HeLa cells have been instrumental in developing the polio vaccine, advancing treatments for cancer and other infections like HIV and Ebola, and improving techniques for in vitro fertilization. Yet, for more than 20 years, the identity of a Black woman’s cells as the source of medical innovations remained completely hidden. She did not even know that her cell samples obtained from a tissue biopsy during her cancer treatments were sent to a nearby research lab. While her family still fights for restitution and compensation for her cells’ use and profitmaking, the legacy of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks has propelled one of the fundamental principles of modern bioethics – patient autonomy. (excerpt from Dora Muhammad’s blog post. Click the link below to read the full story.)

The COVID pandemic has compelled faith leaders to become more informed about public health and involved in Virginia’s response for the benefit of members of their congregation and community.  The Greater Prince William County chapter presents “Bioethics and the Beloved Community: A Symposium on protecting humanity, earning trust and engaging people of faith” to hear from three visionary medical research experts, two with earned Master of Divinity degrees, to help empower the public to address issues related to past, present and future interaction with public health officials and practitioners.

If you want to get involved and make sure your voice is heard in Virginia’s redistricting process, join the League of Women Voters of Virginia for a virtual discussion. This event is a part of the LWV’s national Day of Action to increase public awareness and engagement.

VICPP Greater Prince William Chapter and its Health Care Hope Ambassadors invite you to join them at Prince William Forest Park for music, mindfulness, massage, healthy eating, and wellness information and resources from a host of community partners and county agencies. The event will feature a 5K Walk, Yoga in the Park, a special presentation on mental health, and several guest speakers.