Special Session Update
Friday, August 21st, 2020
A couple weeks ago, we shared a preview of what we’d be focusing on during the General Assembly special session that started August 18. See below for an update on the special session and issues we’re working on. How to Follow Special Session The Senate and House did not agree on procedural rules for the […]
Virginia Poverty Law Center releases new report on imbalances in Virginia’s electric utility regulation
Wednesday, August 19th, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Virginia Poverty Law Center releases new report on imbalances in Virginia’s electric utility regulation The new report highlights disparities in Virginia’s regulatory construct by comparing the Commonwealth’s approach to electric utility regulation with that of similar states. RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Poverty Law Center has released a […]
Celebrating one legislative victory as we look toward more.
Saturday, August 8th, 2020
Last week, we celebrated an end to the injustice of predatory lending with the passage of the Virginia Fairness in Lending Act. But with the special session of the Virginia General Assembly right around the corner, we hope you will roll up your sleeves with us and get back to work advocating for justice for […]
Reuniting Families During a Global Pandemic
Monday, June 29th, 2020
June is Reunification Month: a celebration of children in foster care returning home and reuniting with their loved ones. But for thousands of children and families currently separated through foster care, it has been devastating to be forced to stay apart during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some families who were on track to be reunified are […]
PRESS RELEASE: Va Supreme Court halts evictions through June 28 at request of Gov. Northam
Tuesday, June 9th, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 CONTACT: Christie Marra, Director of Housing Advocacy christie@vplc.org (804) 615-8150 Monica Lauw, Communications Manager monica@vplc.org (804) 351-5262 RICHMOND, VA — Early Monday afternoon, the Virginia Supreme Court ordered that all residential evictions be immediately suspended for a period of twenty-one days. The order was issued in response to […]
Statement of Solidarity from VPLC
Monday, June 8th, 2020
At the Virginia Poverty Law Center, racial injustice is inextricably linked to our work eliminating poverty in the Commonwealth. Our mission is to break down the systemic barriers that keep low-income Virginians in poverty. It must be recognized that poverty rates for Black and Latinx Virginians are roughly double that of white Virginians. Therefore, we […]
When Should a Child in Foster Care Have a Say in Their Future?
Monday, June 1st, 2020
When a child has been removed from their family and placed into foster care, the court must decide the child’s bests interests when determining where and with whom they will be raised. Virginia requires judges to consult with each child placed in foster care during permanency hearing proceedings to determine whether the child should return home, live with a relative, be […]
PRESS RELEASE: Advocates & lawmakers turn to Governor Northam to protect tenants after Supreme Court of Virginia dismisses petition seeking to halt eviction hearings in Petersburg
Thursday, May 21st, 2020
Advocates & lawmakers turn to Governor Northam to protect tenants after Supreme Court of Virginia dismisses petition seeking to halt eviction hearings in Petersburg View pdf version of press release. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 21, 2020 CONTACT: Christie Marra christie@vplc.org (804) 351-5275 Monica Lauw monica@vplc.org (804) 351-5262 RICHMOND, VA — Advocates and lawmakers […]
MEDIA ADVISORY: Virginia Poverty Law Center urges Virginia courts to protect tenants as courts reopen and eviction cases proceed
Friday, May 15th, 2020
Virginia Poverty Law Center urges Virginia courts to pause hearing eviction cases until adequate safety measures are implemented, tenants receive advance notice on court procedures related to COVID-19, and the Virginia courts determine how to apply federal laws to non-payment eviction cases. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday May 15, 2020 CONTACT: Christie Marra christie@vplc.org (804) 351-5275 […]
Eviction Helpline Volunteer Profile: Peter Messitt, Esq.
Friday, April 24th, 2020
We’re pleased to share our first Eviction Legal Helpline Volunteer Profile featuring Peter Messitt, Esq. Peter Messitt retired in 2015 from the civil litigation division of the Virginia Attorney General’s office after 30 years of service. He began volunteering with the Eviction Legal Helpline about eight months ago, committing part of one morning or afternoon […]
Public Benefits and Hunger Programs During the COVID-19 Crisis
Thursday, April 9th, 2020
As we struggle to navigate a COVID-19-riddled world, please note that there are programs to help you through this. Many waivers have been applied for and many changes are being made to best serve the people. Here’s an update on what is going on in the WIC, School Meals, SNAP, and TANF worlds. To prevent […]
Update on Evictions During COVID-19 Outbreak
Wednesday, March 18th, 2020
Yesterday, we received a few responses to our COVID-19 update, telling us that some courts in Virginia are still proceeding with evictions despite the Virginia Supreme Court’s emergency order halting all non-essential and non-emergency court proceedings. VPLC and other legal aid advocates contacted the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Virginia Supreme Court and received the following […]
A Letter to Our Community
Tuesday, March 17th, 2020
To our clients and community, As the situation around COVID-19 evolves rapidly, we are doing all we can to help slow the spread of the virus while still supporting those who are being hit hardest by the pandemic. We urge everyone to consider how to help those in our community who may be facing difficult […]
Simplifying Access to Justice for Civil Litigants
Thursday, February 20th, 2020
The purpose of a court system is to enable all citizens—equally, without regard to race, religion, or wealth—to seek legal redress: that is, to have wrongs righted and disputes decided by a neutral arbiter, under the laws of the land (before courts existed, people had to take matters into their own hands). While we are […]
2020 Crossover Report
Tuesday, February 18th, 2020
Last Tuesday was “Crossover Day” in the General Assembly, the last day for bills to be heard in the Senate or House of Delegates before crossing over to the other chamber for review. Check out our 2020 Crossover Report to learn more about the bills we support and oppose.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Broad Coalition Calls for Passage of Popular Virginia Fairness in Lending Act in 2020
Monday, January 6th, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday January 6, 2020 Contact: Monica Lauw, Communications Manager, Virginia Poverty Law Center Monica@vplc.org 804-351-5262 Broad Coalition Supports the Virginia Fairness in Lending Act Statewide leaders call on Virginia General Assembly to act in 2020 after predatory lending bills have languished for years Richmond, Va., – The Virginia Fairness in Lending Act […]
VPLC’s 2020 Legislative Priorities
Monday, December 23rd, 2019
View Virginia Poverty Law Center’s 2020 Legislative Agenda here. Stay updated on legislation we’re tracking here.
Relatives are Primary Caretakers of 70,000 Children in Virginia. The State Needs to Support Them.
Monday, December 23rd, 2019
“It takes a village to raise any child. The village shouldn’t pick and choose who to support.” When children can’t live with parents, for any variety of reasons, the next best thing for them is to live with relatives. Remaining in their communities, nurtured by someone they know and love and retaining their connection to […]
Governor Northam’s Budget Prioritizes Housing, Health and Families
Friday, December 20th, 2019
“Any budget is a moral statement of priorities, whether it’s a budget created by an individual, a family, a school, a city, or a nation. It tells us, mathematically, what areas, issues, things, or people are most important to the creators of that budget, and which are least important.” -Jim Wallis Virginia Poverty Law Center […]
PRESS RELEASE: Del. Jones, Del. Ware Announce Bipartisan Fair Energy Bills Act
Thursday, December 12th, 2019
View press release PDF. For Immediate Release December 12, 2019 Del. Jones, Del. Ware Announce Bipartisan Fair Energy Bills Act Legislation aims to address Virginia’s energy burden crisis by restoring SCC authority MEDIA CONTACT Office of Delegate Jay Jones: Austin Smith, austin@jayjones.com, 757-625-8989 Office of Delegate Lee Ware: David A. Bovenizer IV, DelLWare@house.virginia.gov, 804- 598-6696 […]
Eviction Spotlight: Fighting eviction and reversing hundreds of dollars in unauthorized charges
Wednesday, November 6th, 2019
Madolyn* is a single woman in her 50s who lives alone in her apartment. Although its cost is very low, she pays 50% of her income to rent. Recently, Madolyn experienced financial trouble and got assistance from a local government agency to catch up with rent. But her landlord filed to evict her for a […]