Dear ,

During this remarkable week, the rhythms of this world seem to move in harmony. We mark the second day of the Lunar New Year, the beginning of Ramadan, and the first day of Lent.  These three distinct traditions call for us to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to something greater than ourselves. It is fitting, then, that this moment of collective intention coincides with a pivotal turning point in our Virginia legislative session.  

That turning point is Crossover, the moment when bills that have successfully passed through one chamber of the legislature cross over to the other chamber to begin the process anew. To understand why this milestone matters, it helps to follow the journey a bill takes through our state legislature: 

Bills are first presented and voted on in an assigned subcommittee. If passed, they advance to the full committee, where they face another vote. From there, successful bills move to either the Senate or House floor for debate and a final chamber vote. Any bill with a fiscal impact takes an additional detour through the House Appropriations Committee or Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee before reaching the floor. Once a bill clears that final floor vote, it officially crosses over and the entire process begins again in the other chamber. 

It is a long road. But here is the good news: every single one of our priority bills made it through their first chamber, many with meaningful bi-partisan support. This week alone, four critical bills cleared their chamber floors: 

• HB5 – Paid Sick Days — passed the House floor (63–35) 

• SB199 – Paid Sick Days — passed the Senate floor (21-19) 

• HB1041 – Correctional Education Reform — passed unanimously (97–0) 

• HB652 – Mother-Infant Support for Substance Exposure — passed the House floor (66–32) 

These victories are a testament to what advocacy and collective action can accomplish, but the work is far from over. 

As we enter the second half of the session, each of these bills must now run the gauntlet all over again in the opposing chamber. The finish line is within sight, and your voice has never mattered more. Stay engaged, watch for action alerts, and be ready to make noise when we call on you. We have several weeks remaining, and we need you to help us push every one of these bills across the finish line. The momentum is ours; let's not let it go. 

In solidarity, 

Keisha 

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook 
Executive Director 

Join us this evening for a virtual meeting to review the progress of VICPP's priority bills as we reach the midpoint of the General Assembly session.

Bring the General Assembly Home!

Help us keep the momentum going in your local community. We're organizing interfaith vigils where people can come together and speak up for our shared priorities. Interested in hosting a vigil locally? We have a step-by-step guide and a draft program script. Email Sheila, our Director of Faith Organizing for more information as soon as possible. The vigils will have the biggest impact if they take place before March 1. 

Join us and Virginia Interfaith Power and Light for a series of virtual workshops surrounding social media and communications in advocacy. Whether you’re a social media pro or just starting out, the Social Media in Advocacy workshop will offer practical tips, examples, and strategies to help create impactful content, strengthen your message, and engage your community effectively across platforms. The Communications in Advocacy workshop will highlight how to shape compelling opinion articles (op-eds) and letters to the editor (LTEs) to amplify the justice issues you care about.

Early‑Bird Tickets Now Open!
We’re excited to invite you to our annual statewide fundraiser, the Growing Justice Gala. Secure your early‑bird ticket today and explore sponsorship opportunities

We look forward to celebrating with you! If you have any questions, please reach out to our Development Manager, Tania Doles. 

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