Dear ,

We are in the third week of our General Assembly, and like the cold temperature outside, things are starting to heat up. 

Immediate Action Needed 

Tomorrow, the "Yes In God's Backyard" bill (HB1279) will be up for a vote on the Senate floor. Please reach out to your senator and encourage them to vote YES on this bill.

Celebrating Bipartisan Success 

One of VICPP's superpowers is our ability to work across the aisle. In a time when so many issues divide us, this is an exceptional accomplishment.  This week showcased that strength beautifully. A HUGE shout out to our team for their amazing work in building these bipartisan coalitions. 

Affordable Housing Advances with Strong Support 

Our Expediting Affordable Housing bill (HB594) received robust bipartisan support and passed the House floor earlier this week with an impressive 89-10 vote. This momentum demonstrates widespread recognition that affordable housing solutions transcend party lines. 

Health Equity Bills Gain Bipartisan Traction 

Our bias reduction training bills for health care professionals had a particularly strong week. The Senate version (SB22) passed the Senate floor with solid bipartisan support (30-8), while the House version (HB1147) passed full committee, also with bipartisan backing (15-7). This cross-party consensus reflects shared commitment to improving health outcomes for all Virginians. 

Unanimous Support for Critical Protections 

Even more encouraging, several bills progressed with unanimous support—a testament to their merit and our coalition-building: 

• HB195 allows the use of "at-risk add on" funding to pay for school nurses and passed full committee unanimously (18-0) 

• SB133 protects mothers and babies in pregnancies with substance exposure by removing criminal and CPS penalties for moms who seek prenatal care and rehabilitation—it passed the Senate floor with unanimous support (40-0) 

• HB1041 expands higher education opportunities in prisons and passed committee unanimously (19-0) 

Paid Sick Days Bills Continue Forward 

We are also excited to see the Paid Sick Days bills continue to progress through both chambers. HB5 will be heard in House Appropriations this week, and SB199 passed full committee (9-6). 

In solidarity, 

Keisha  

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook 
Executive Director 

Join us and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light for a virtual workshop surrounding social media in advocacy. Whether you’re a social media pro or just starting out, this session will offer practical tips, examples, and strategies to help create impactful content, strengthen your message, and engage your community effectively across platforms

Join the us and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light Communications team for a virtual session that will highlight how to shape compelling opinion articles (op-eds) and letters to the editor (LTEs) to amplify the justice issues you care about.

The Growing Justice Gala 2026 will be an unforgettable evening of nourishing the seeds of our interfaith justice work and growing our movement in Virginia. Whether you are joining us in person at Virginia Theological Seminary (Coffield Refectory 3737 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304) or supporting us from afar, your engagement and dedication are deeply appreciated. Stay tuned for ticket and sponsorship information! 

VICPP is able to make a difference because members like you help advocate! Please copy and paste this announcement to your social media, or share in your congregation’s email newsletter: 

Join the VICPP network! 

People of faith and people of good will around Virginia can speak up on issues that matter by joining the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s email list. The staff in Richmond is following bills from health equity to affordable housing; from criminal justice reform to supporting working families. Make sure you’re getting the action alerts for your elected officials by filling out the form at tinyurl.com/vicppsignup 

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic,
racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices
through education, prayer, and action.