Dear ,
 
Many of us were watching the clock this week as 11:59 PM on April 13th approached, the deadline for Governor Spanberger to act on the bills sent to her desk by the legislature. This has been a monumental year for the Virginia Interfaith Center. We are proud to report that all of our priority bills are on the way to becoming law, marking a significant win for justice across the Commonwealth. 

Here's where things stand: 

Signed into Law 

These are the bills that have been signed by Governor Spanberger: 

• SB22/HB1147 - Bias reduction training for health care workers 

• SB33/HB195 - Increase funding for school nurses 

• SB133/HB652 - Work group to examine the impact of Child Protective Services reporting on mothers and infants facing health challenges related to substance exposure 

• HB1041 - Task force established to expand access to higher education in prison 

• HB1/SB1 - Increases the minimum wage 

• HB594 - Allows localities to expedite the zoning process for affordable housing  

The Governor has returned the following bills with recommended amendments. Importantly, most of these amendments do not alter the legislation's core intent.  

• HB5/SB199 - Paid sick days – Technical amendments that clarify definitions and implementation details. There will be a regulatory process, and Virginia Interfaith looks forward to having a seat at the table. 

• HB1279/SB388 – Yes In God’s Backyard – These amendments clear up several technical issues but also limit the height of affordable housing in some areas, even near tall buildings. 

• HB1441/SB783 - Limits collaboration between ICE and local law enforcement. A technical amendment was offered that doesn’t alter the original intent of the bill.

• HB650/SB351– Limits immigration enforcement in sensitive locations. The Governor’s recommendation drastically weakens the consequences for law enforcement, including ICE agents, who violate the protections originally outlined in the bill.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  Next week is packed!  

April 21st – Election Day 

April 22nd  –  Virginia General Assembly reconvenes to consider Governor Spanberger’s recommendations and vetoes 

April 23rd – Budget Special Session begins 

In Solidarity,

Keisha

Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook
Executive Director

Dear friends,

Time is running short — we are working to wrap up ticket sales for our Growing Justice Gala soon! We hope you will join us for what promises to be a truly meaningful evening that supports economic, social, and racial justice across Virginia.

Growing Justice Gala: Sunday, April 26, 2026  |  5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST 
Virginia Theological Seminary, Coffield Refectory Room 
3737 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304 

This annual statewide gathering is a celebration of the interfaith justice work you make possible — and a chance to deepen our shared commitment to building greater economic, social, and racial justice across Virginia. All funds raised will benefit our education and advocacy work for the year. We’ll also be celebrating a momentous legislative session and our many policy wins! 

Virginia Interfaith is hosting a vigil on the eve of International Workers Day where we will update our network on legislation that impacts both immigrants and workers. Join us to learn and pray together! 

Liaisons serve as the bridge between VICPP and their faith community. They help spread the word about opportunities to get involved in the work of justice. Liaisons are invited to a monthly Lunch and Learn online and receive resources to invite congregations and communities to engage more deeply. If you're interested in learning more, email Sheila (sheila@virginiainterfaithcenter.org) or register below to join Monday’s Lunch and Learn from noon to 1pm! 

Virginians can vote now through April 18 on a redistricting amendment that would give the state legislature the power to redraw Virginia's 11 congressional districts. The last day to vote is April 21.

The ballot will read:

Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia's standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?

A "YES" vote supports allowing the Virginia legislature to conduct congressional redistricting this year.

A "NO" vote opposes allowing the Virginia legislature to conduct congressional redistricting and would keep the previously established redistricting process in place.

• Learn how the change could affect your district. Click HERE to explore the VPAP tool to see current and proposed districts.

• Click HERE for voter registration, absentee ballot, and poll location information.

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