During this election season, I couldn't help thinking about how we should be asking House and Senate candidates how they plan to end poverty in Virginia. Imagine if we could elect legislators who pledge making ending poverty their top priority. We've made some progress in Virginia -- raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, limiting predatory lending and making the state EITC partially refundable. Good steps forward. But if we are serious, we've got to address the housing and childcare crises. We need to make sure that all workers have paid sick days and affordable healthcare. And to fund ending poverty, we will need a fairer tax system -- perhaps a millionaries tax? (More on that later.) Tomorrow night's event is jointly sponsored by VICPP, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, The Virginia Poverty Law Center (two of the key anti-poverty groups with whom we work), the Richmond Public Library, and the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond (a leading foundation fighting poverty). BBGB Bookstore will be selling books at the in-person event.
Come to the event -- in person or virtually. Register below. And while you are at it, register for the Civic Engagement training for May 31. Let's make a plan to push candidates on ending poverty. Hoping to see you tomorrow night, Kim Bobo
Executive Director P.S. A few people had asked if they could view the presentation after the event and I had said they could. I was wrong. The publicists will not allow us to do so. Thus, be sure to join us tomorrow night. |
