Add your name to push for Clean Affordable and Efficient Energy for All!

Now is the time to bring equality to Virginia’s electricity.

Low-income single and multi-family households—and minority families—pay much more for energy as a percentage of overall income than average households, according to a recent study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

The disparity is staggering: some of these families now pay three times or more as compared to higher income households.

For many families, the decision to pay their energy bills often comes at the expense of other routine household necessities, such as buying food, clothing and transportation.

This is why we are asking the Commission to level the playing field for low-income households by boosting utility-funded programs that can help cut our energy costs. Launching those programs will ease the financial burden on Virginia’s most vulnerable families.

Additionally, we support these actions, so that Virginia can comply with the Clean Power Plan in a way that also lowers bills, creates jobs in the clean energy sector, and promotes healthier families of all income levels.

Together, we can make efficient, affordable energy available to every Virginian.

New Hunger Report Shows Hunger Still a Problem; Should Spark Actions

Post-recession America still has a somewhat hidden problem- hunger. Hunger is not always evident in communities or nationwide, but the Food Research and Action Center’s new report shows that “food hardship” is still a significant problem.

“Food hardship” is defined as not having enough money to buy food that you or your family needed in the past 12 months. This hardship is detrimental to physical and emotional health for all family members but especially children, seniors, and those with disabilities.

The ‘How Hungry is America?’ report, released in late June, breaks down food hardship by time (year, quarter, month) and by location (regions, states, metro areas). Nationally, hunger has been declining but remains a prevalent problem.

• 2015 had the lowest rate of hardship in the eight years; December 2015 was the lowest month
• Nationally 1 in 6 households still struggle with hunger
• The rate has fallen from its highest, 19% in 2013, to a low of 16% in 2015
• +15% of households are experiencing food hardship in:
  • 25 out of 50 states
  • 72 of 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas

Different regions of the country are experiencing food hardship more severely. 8 of the 16 hardest hit states are in the Southeast; 5 of the 16 are in the Southwest; the West, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest each have 1.

Many of the worst states have Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) follow the worst regions. The Southeast comes in with half of the worst MSAs, 11 of the 21 hardest hit MSAs; the Southwest has 5 of the 21; the West has 3 of the 21 and Bakersfield, CA was the worst MSA; 2 in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

The report shows that hunger is still deep rooted issue and one that effects millions of Americans. Hunger is in our communities, in our neighborhoods. It effects people all backgrounds and may not be readily apparent but we can eliminate hunger by advocating for common sense policy.

Find out how you can help at vahungersolutions.org

Read FRAC’s full report at http://frac.org/pdf/food-hardship-2016.pdf

Post-recession America still has a somewhat hidden problem- hunger. Hunger is not always evident in communities or nationwide, but the Food Research and Action Center’s new report shows that “food hardship” is still a significant problem.

“Food hardship” is defined as not having enough money to buy food that you or your family needed in the past 12 months. This hardship is detrimental to physical and emotional health for all family members but especially children, seniors, and those with disabilities.

The ‘How Hungry is America?’ report, released in late June, breaks down food hardship by time (year, quarter, month) and by location (regions, states, metro areas). Nationally, hunger has been declining but remains a prevalent problem.

·       2015 had the lowest rate of hardship in the eight years; December 2015 was the lowest month

·       Nationally 1 in 6 households still struggle with hunger

·       The rate has fallen from its highest, 19% in 2013, to a low of 16% in 2015

·       +15% of households are experiencing food hardship in:

o   25 out of 50 states

o   72 of 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas

Different regions of the country are experiencing food hardship more severely. 8 of the 16 hardest hit states are in the Southeast; 5 of the 16 are in the Southwest; the West, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest each have 1.

Many of the worst states have Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) follow the worst regions. The Southeast comes in with half of the worst MSAs, 11 of the 21 hardest hit MSAs; the Southwest has 5 of the 21; the West has 3 of the 21 and Bakersfield, CA was the worst MSA; 2 in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest.

The report shows that hunger is still deep rooted issue and one that effects millions of Americans. Hunger is in our communities, in our neighborhoods. It effects people all backgrounds and may not be readily apparent but we can eliminate hunger by advocating for common sense policy.

Find out how you can help at vahungersolutions.org

Read FRAC’s full report at http://frac.org/pdf/food-hardship-2016.pdf

VPLC Joins the Fray Over Energy Costs and Energy Efficiency; Join in with us!

Last week the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), responding to a legislative mandate from the 2016 session of the Virginia General Assembly, conducted a public hearing on the important issue of energy efficiency programs in the Commonwealth and the costs and savings that can be achieved through such programs. The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) regards these programs to be vitally important in the efforts to ease the financial burden on Virginia’s most vulnerable families, while having the added benefit of helping our state’s environmental future as well.

The VPLC believes it is time to bring equality and fairness to the energy costs experienced by low-income Virginians. A recent report examined energy costs of households in 48 large American cities, including Virginia Beach and Richmond. It found that low-income single and multi-family households, as well as minority families in general, pay as much as three times or more in energy costs as a percentage of their overall income than the average American household. Such utility costs come at the expense of other household necessities, such as buying food, clothing and transportation.

One answer to this disparity in energy costs is to take advantage of the value of energy efficiency programs for families. Another study found that every dollar invested in energy efficiency programs will save nearly three dollars in energy costs in multi-family housing.

We have an opportunity to address this issue in Virginia. We have an opportunity to help make efficient and affordable energy available to every Virginian. We urge you to join the VPLC and other supportive organizations to let the SCC know your support for energy efficiency programs that will benefit low-income Virginians. You can do so by signing on to the VPLC petition that asks the State Corporation Commission to act on behalf of low-income Virginians and their high energy costs. You can do so through this link: https://www.facebook.com/VaPovLawCtr/app/335652843138116/?ref=page_internal

Thank you for your attention to this information and request and for helping to address this important issue in Virginia.

Find ut more about our New ACE Project

VPLC’s Susheela Varky Gives Bold and Vulnerable Interview to Richmond Justice

Susheela Varky, Domestic and Sexual Violence Attorney at the Virginia PovertyLaw Center

We’re honored that this month the Richmond Justice project chose to highlight VPLC Staff Attorney Susheela Varky. Her personal story, understanding, and huge desire to help victims is captivating. Read her captivating interview.

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Begins November 1st!

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace starts November 1, 2016. However, some consumers may still qualify for a special enrollment period or SEP before then. If consumers have experienced a life-qualifying event, such as having or adopting a child, graduating from college, moving, marriage or divorce, change in employment, change in immigration status, or some other major life change, contact the Enroll Virginia team to see which life events may qualify. Enroll Virginia’s statewide team of health insurance navigators are available to help consumers with application and enrollment assistance, getting financial help (if applicable), and reviewing health insurance plan options. To find an assister in your community, call 1-888-392-5132 or go to www.enrollva.org. For more information about the Marketplace, consumers can go to www.healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to see if they qualify for a special enrollment period or if they have other questions about health insurance coverage.

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace starts November 1, 2016. However, some consumers may still qualify for a special enrollment period or SEP before then. If consumers have experienced a life-qualifying event, such as having or adopting a child, graduating from college, moving, marriage or divorce, change in employment, change in immigration status, or some other major life change, contact the Enroll Virginia team to see which life events may qualify. Enroll Virginia’s statewide team of health insurance navigators are available to help consumers with application and enrollment assistance, getting financial help (if applicable), and reviewing health insurance plan options. To find an assister in your community, call 1-888-392-5132 or go to www.enrollva.org. For more information about the Marketplace, consumers can go to www.healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 to see if they qualify for a special enrollment period or if they have other questions about health insurance coverage.

VPLC is Hiring Advocacy and Support Staff Positions. Join Our Team In Supporting Low-income Virginians!

VPLC engages in wide-ranging advocacy to seek access to civil justice for lower-income Virginians including education, empowerment, impact-litigation, and advocacy with legislative and administrative agencies.

We are currently realigning our office into collaborative Centers to work more effectively on the legal issues that most affect lower-income Virginians.  We are currently hiring for three positions that fall under the Center for Stronger Families and the Center for Community Support.

Center for Healthy Communities Attorney

Communications Coordinator

Legal Aid Support Coordinator

2016 Annual Statewide Legal Aid Conference Sponsors

Consumer Litigation Associates
Boleman Law Firm
Kelly and Crandall Law Firm
Hunton and WIlliams
Pittman Law Office
Hall and Sethi
Marks and Harrison
Surovell, Issacs, Peterson, and Levy
Giles Lambert

Below the Poverty Line

This year, multiple legislators have introduced bills designed to increase TANF benefits; and for good reason.  TANF, which provides cash-assistance for low-income families with children, has weakened considerably as a safety net.  Since 1996, the value of program benefits has declined by 28% in Virginia.  Current benefit levels can leave family incomes well below the federal poverty line.  For example, the federal poverty level for a family of three is about $1,674 per month while the maximum monthly benefit available through TANF is $399; merely 24 percent of the federal poverty level.

TANF benefits cover only a fraction of a family’s housing costs.  The fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the Commonwealth is $1,097.  The maximum monthly benefit available through TANF for a family of three covers only 36 percent of that amount.  And contrary to popular belief, most TANF families do not receive housing subsidies – in fact, only one in four families with children eligible for federal housing assistance receive it.

SNAP benefits, which can be used to purchase food, help TANF families fill the resource gap; but a substantial shortfall remains.  In Virginia, families who receive both SNAP and TANF – and who have no other income – fall below 60 percent of the federal poverty line.

While some program participants can combine TANF benefits with earned income to help meet their basic needs, others cannot.  Many families include parents who have significant disabilities or other barriers to work or cannot find jobs in a labor market that remains weak.

After years of erosion, it’s time to restore the value of TANF benefits, even if that requires several incremental increases over a period of years.  Moreover, it’s time to establish mechanisms to prevent benefits from eroding in the future.  Taking these steps will help low-income families with children meet their basic needs and repair Virginia’s cash assistance safety net.

Just Say No

Each legislative session in recent years has ushered in multiple proposals to drug test TANF recipients. This year was no exception.  A House subcommittee on Health, Welfare, and Institutions considered three such measures earlier this week, but declined to advance either of them.  The subcommittee got it right and here’s why:

• There is no statewide data suggesting that drug use is particularly prevalent among individuals who receive TANF cash assistance.  In the absence of credible data, House Bills 86, 468, and 836 simply perpetuate a negative stereotype about the individuals who participate in the program.

• House Bills 86, 468, and 836 are unnecessary.  Local DSS offices have an existing process for identifying and assisting individuals who struggle with substance abuse as a barrier to employment.

• The focus of House Bills 86, 468, and 836 is misplaced.  National studies consistently show that poor education, lack of transportation, health problems, and other difficulties are more common among TANF recipients than substance use or dependence.  If we are truly devoted to helping families become self- sufficient, our limited resources should be devoted to those areas.

House Bills 86, 468, and 836 unfairly single out one form of government assistance.  Businesses, students, and every member of the Virginia General Assembly receive a public benefit.  But the proposed measures would attach drug testing to the TANF program only.

#FosteringFutures for Youth Aging Out of Care

VPLC is once again working with Voices for Virginia’s Children on foster care issues.  Below is a guest blog from Amy Woolard , Legislative Director for Voices for Virginia’s Children, previously posted on their website. A column was just published in the Richmond Times Dispatch by Delegate Jennifer McClellan on the need for funding youth who age out of foster care until age 21.

Despite having the lowest rate of youth in our formal foster care system of all the states, and despite positive improvements to our system overall, Virginia still has a long way to go when it comes to connecting older youth in care to permanent families before they turn 18 and “age out” of care.

Virginia still holds the dubious distinction of having the highest rate in the nation of youth aging out of care at age 18. From 2008 to 2015, more than 5375 youth “aged out” of Virginia’s foster care system, meaning they turned 18 years old before being connected to a permanent family through adoption, returning home to parents, or having a relative take custody of them.

We currently have a limited set of services funded at the local/state level for some of these youth up to age 21, but the support is sparse and does not include adequate basic needs such as housing and other daily care needs. It’s a positive step, but we can—and should—do better. Here’s one way we can:

“Fostering Futures“ is the name older youth in foster care have given to a proposed program that we at Voices have been working to bring to Virginia for the past three years—it’s an option under the federal Fostering Connections Act that would broaden the kinds of supports Virginia would offer youth who age out of care. Most especially, it would open up additional federal funding to provide housing for youth, as well as some other living expenses and case management. About 23 other states and the District of Columbia have opted into this federal provision to expand their own programs for 18-21-year-olds in care, and have seen great success in keeping youth in school, employed and housed.

The program will be under consideration by the General Assembly this coming legislative session, which starts in mid-January and runs through mid-March. We’d like to keep up the positive advocacy momentum in support of Fostering Futures, and we need your help!

Here’s how you can help:

Policymakers need to know just how important Fostering Futures is to older youth in foster care and the adults who help support them. We’ve put together an advocacy packet that you can download, print, share, and rely on to help you communicate with policymakers. You can and should express your support “early and often,” and there will also be specific times we’ll ask you to call/write/email/attend committee hearings (if you can). Use these tools to advocate:

1. “Support Fostering Futures” one-pager (PDF): Download, print and share this with policymakers and media.

2. Talking Points on Fostering Futures: A reference document that distills supporting points down to easy “sound bites” to stick to when talking about your support of the program.

3. Legislator Priorities: These are the policymakers who will have the most authority on whether Fostering Futures is included in the final 2016 budget. Email, write, and call them in support of the program, from now until mid-March.

4. Sample Social Media posts: Use these posts on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media accounts. Share widely and often, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #FosteringFutures!

5. Sample script for phone or email advocacy: Use our template for calling, emailing or writing policymakers in support of Fostering Futures. Be sure to adapt this template to include your own personal stories, details and thoughts!

6. Fostering Futures FAQs: We’ve also prepared some general information about the program and our advocacy effort in anticipation of any questions you might have. Please read through and let use know (amy@vakids.org) if you have any further questions!

You can use these tools to communicate your support of Fostering Futures with policymakers, media and the general public anytime, but we will also be calling on everyone to lend their supportive voices at specific times during the session, so please keep this post bookmarked for easy access. Thank you for helping us make sure young people who age out of care have a reliable and accessible path to success as they become adults!