“The opposite of poverty is not wealth. The opposite of poverty is justice.”
— Bryan Stevenson, civil rights attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative

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ACTION ALERT!

Proposed SNAP Cuts Threaten Food Security in Virginia

A new bill from the U.S. House Agriculture Committee would drastically change the SNAP program, shifting costs to states and making it harder for families to keep their benefits.

Currently, the federal government covers all food benefits and shares administrative costs with states. Under the proposal, Virginia would face $353 million in added costs each year — while SNAP recipients would face more red tape, benefit cuts that don’t keep pace with rising food prices, and reduced access to related programs like school meals and WIC.

These cuts would harm families, older adults, caregivers, and local businesses — especially in food deserts.

Take Action: 

Use this action alert from the Food Research & Action Center to urge your members of Congress to reject this harmful bill.

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Virginia Enacts New Protections Against Medical Debt and Junk Fees

In a significant move to help those struggling with medical debt, Governor Glenn Youngkin has signed into law (effective July 1, 2026) new legislation aimed at curbing overly aggressive medical debt collection practices.

The Medical Debt Protection Act prohibits medical debt collectors from foreclosing on homes and limits the garnishment of wages, offering relief to Virginians burdened by medical expenses.

The law also blocks interest and late fees on medical debt for the first 90 days after a bill is due, and after that, any interest can’t be more than 3% a year.

Additionally, Virginia has taken steps to eliminate hidden “junk fees” in consumer transactions. The newly signed legislation requires businesses to disclose the full price of goods and services upfront, ensuring transparency and helping consumers avoid unexpected charges.

Check out Michael Pope’s report, including an interview with VPLC Executive Director Jay Speer, on RADIO IQ.

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Progress for Public Housing Residents, Manufactured Homeowners, and First-Time Buyers

Thanks to VPLC’s advocacy, several important housing measures were signed into law during this year’s General Assembly session:

• More Fairness for Public Housing Tenants
  • Tenants living in public housing now have better protections. Judges are now authorized to allow public housing tenants to appeal their eviction cases without posting a cash bond.
    Public housing authorities also can’t charge repair fees unless the tenant caused the damage. And when a tenant falls behind on rent, they’ll now receive a clearly marked notice — printed on pink or orange paper — with information on how to recertify their income and avoid eviction.
• Support for Mobile Home Communities
  • The state will invest $5 million from surplus funds generated through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) — a carbon-reduction program paid for by polluting power plants — to help nonprofit housing groups and resident organizations buy mobile home parks. This protects residents from displacement and keeps housing affordable.
• Help for First-Time Homebuyers
  • Another $5 million from RGGI surplus funds will go toward down payment assistance for first-time buyers with very low incomes, helping them purchase energy-efficient homes and build long-term financial stability.

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Governor Vetoes Key Initiatives Supporting Low-Income Virginians

Despite bipartisan recognition of Virginia’s affordable housing and child care crises, Governor Youngkin has vetoed several critical budget items that would have supported working families and low-income communities across the Commonwealth.

Among the initiatives cut:
• A first-time homebuyer program to help working families build wealth.
• A rental assistance pilot aimed at preventing eviction and homelessness.
• Funding for low-barrier emergency shelters and local housing trust funds.
• A child care pilot to help working parents access affordable care.
• Continued support for utility regulation that protects consumers.

These vetoes represent missed opportunities to make Virginia a more equitable and supportive place for families facing economic hardship.

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Virginia Ramps Up Immigration Enforcement at the Local Level

An executive order from Governor Youngkin pushes local police officers to work closely with federal immigration agents. This includes a controversial program known as 287(g), which allows local law enforcement to question people about their status and detain people. But this program has proved costly for localities, has targeted people with no criminal history, and harms the relationship between police and local communities, making us less safe.

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Know Your Rights: VPLC’s New Immigration Resource Page

With these changes underway, it’s crucial for immigrant communities to know their rights. VPLC’s new Immigration Rights and Resources page will help individuals understand what to do if approached by agents, how to protect themselves and their families, and where to get legal help.

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LIHEAP Cooling Assistance — Applications Open June 15!

Struggling to keep up with rising energy costs? The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is here to help. Starting June 15, applications open for assistance with cooling bills. LIHEAP provides vital relief for households facing high energy costs. Don’t wait — take advantage of this opportunity to ease the strain on your budget and keep your home safe and comfortable.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (e.g., up to $23,475 for an individual or $48,225 for a family of four).

How to Apply: 

• Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
• Phone: 1-855-635-4370 (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
• In person: Contact your local Department of Social Services Office

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VPLC Joins Attorneys Across Virginia in Reaffirming Commitment to Justice

On May 1, attorneys across Virginia and the nation reaffirmed their oaths to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law in observance of Law Day.

At VPLC, we proudly join our colleagues in this reaffirmation. Our advocacy for economic justice, housing stability, and access to essential services is grounded in the belief that the law should serve all Virginians, especially those facing economic hardship. 

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Helping Virginians Navigate Public Benefits

On April 24, VPLC joined Richmond’s Liberation Family Resource Center for a powerful evening focused on public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. The seminar offered timely updates on recent legislative changes, guidance on eligibility and renewals, and practical information to help community members make the most of these vital programs.

VPLC attorney Cassie Edner (above left) offered strategies for navigating the application and renewal process.

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May is Foster Care Month

In Virginia, more than 5,400 children are currently in foster care. The most common goal? Reunification with family. But keeping families together means access to housing, childcare, and economic stability. Too often, families are separated not due to neglect, but because of poverty.

Economic justice is family preservation. Let’s work toward stronger paths home.

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A Milestone in Child Advocacy

Henrico County’s CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) program is celebrating 30 years of standing up for children in the court system who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Since 1994, Henrico CASA has trained volunteers to advocate for more than 4,000 vulnerable children — helping ensure their voices are heard and their best interests are represented.

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