Virginia Poverty Law Center

Poll: Economic Abuse Overlooked as Form of Domestic Abuse

2009-07-15T13:53:00-07:00

"Blocking access to money or other financial resources definitely hinders a person from being able to leave an abusive relationship."

Helping Legal Aid to Help Itself

2009-07-15T10:10:00-07:00

The efforts of Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) and other supportive senators to lift various federal restrictions on legal aid work are a vital first step. If these restrictions are removed, legal aid programs can become more innovative, versatile and effective.

Feds: Affordable Health Coverage Increasingly Out of Reach in Virginia

2009-07-02T09:55:00-07:00

According to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, small businesses in particular have a difficult time providing care to their employees. While small businesses make up 71 percent of all Virginia companies, a federal report found that less than half of them offer health coverage.

Poverty Reduction Task Force: Initial List of Proposals

2009-07-01T13:36:00-07:00

Compiled by Jill Hanken, Staff Attorney (with help from many others)

Countrywide settlement funds to help with foreclosure counseling

2009-06-29T09:36:00-07:00

The settlement, reached in January, was based on accusations of deceptive mortgage practices by the company, the attorney general's office announced.

"Through Different Eyes" photo book available for purchase

2009-06-29T08:51:00-07:00

By purchasing "Through Different Eyes: The Faces of Poverty in Virginia," you will be able to see the depth of the portrayals and the beauty of the execution of these photographers, done by talented photographers across the commonwealth.

Domestic violence nonprofit's workload increases

2009-06-29T07:16:00-07:00

Requests for counseling services provided by Transitions rose by 12 percent in the fiscal year from 2007 to 2008, while requests for children's services -- which include shelter, art therapy, counseling and after-school care -- increased by 70 percent.

New Protections for Tenants in Foreclosed Properties

2009-06-26T07:35:00-07:00

The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 will ensure that tenants will be able to stay for the duration of their lease before eviction can proceed based on the foreclosure, unless the purchaser of the property intends to occupy it as a primary residence.

Virginians join rally for health care reform

2009-06-23T17:00:00-07:00

Health care costs in the country are double those in comparable developed nations, said Jill Hanken, staff attorney for health care law at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, at the June 23 press unveiling of the report. "Yet we rank last among 19 similar countries on rate of preventable deaths."

Sen. Mark Warner submits bill for senior healthcare choices

2009-06-15T12:53:00-07:00

The Warner legislation addresses inadequate access to often unorganized care planning services that can result in unnecessary tests, treatments and hospitalizations -- medical services that more informed individuals might not otherwise choose.

Stimulus Bill Helps Laid-off Workers Keep Their Group Health Insurance

2009-06-03T07:48:00-07:00

The new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a subsidy to help involuntarily unemployed workers keep their employer-based group health insurance coverage.

Questions, answers on Virginia's jobless benefits

2009-05-27T09:41:00-07:00

The complexity of the issue and the partisan tenor of the debate have generated mountains of misinformation and a cascade of confusion. Some unemployed men and women already receiving aid incorrectly fear they will lose their benefits. Some business owners hold false hope that they can avoid tax increases this year if eligibility is frozen.

Options for health insurance and aid for unemployed

2009-05-17T11:00:00-07:00

"It's important that people who have existing ... problems really take a look at buying individual coverage," said Jill A. Hanken, staff attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

Job loss presents big challenges on health coverage

2009-05-17T10:00:00-07:00

"[The cost] is still a chunk of money people don't have when they are struggling to pay the rent or keep the lights on," said Jill A. Hanken, a staff attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

Government expands its mortgage-aid program

2009-05-15T08:26:00-07:00

The initiatives are intended to streamline the process of selling a home that is worth less than the mortgage, or transferring ownership of a home to the lender.

Recession hurts Medicare and Social Security

2009-05-13T13:19:00-07:00

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said the report shows the urgency for the government to overhaul the two programs to help contain rising costs as the baby boom generation begins to retire and draw on benefits.

Reviewing Virginia Nursing Home Residents' Rights in Tough Times

2009-05-11T08:00:00-07:00

Elder care lawyer Kathy Pryor says that the laws protecting nursing home residents are quite strong, but often families don't know their rights. Families need to receive a written discharge notice before someone can be moved, and she says that notice should be reviewed by a lawyer.

A gap in the health-insurance lifeline

2009-05-10T10:00:00-07:00

Advocates for the unemployed are intensifying their efforts to let laid-off workers know their options under COBRA and, for small businesses, Virginia's so-called "mini-COBRA" program.

Governor Kaine Announces Creation of Poverty Reduction Taskforce

2009-05-07T10:15:00-07:00

"Helping Virginians lift themselves out of poverty will not be easy or quick, but it is imperative that we find ways to protect children in poverty and provide economic opportunity for all Virginians," Governor Kaine said.

Report says Virginia not doing enough for poor

2009-05-07T08:24:00-07:00

The report pointed out that in 2007, the number of children enrolled in the TANF program was more than 50,000. Yet more than 233,000 children were then living at or below the federal poverty level, which is defined as a household income of $21,000 for a family of four.

VA Summit to Battle Poverty

2009-05-07T07:15:00-07:00

The plan will focus on three areas, Tavenner says: jobs, affordable housing and an adequate safety net.

Returning vets may face another battle

2009-05-06T10:47:00-07:00

The current economic recession isn't helping the condition of veterans suffering from PTSD. Layoffs and foreclosures are looming over many American's heads, and veterans are no different.

Welfare-to-work suffers when there's no work available

2009-05-06T09:05:00-07:00

"There's going to be an as-yet unknown group of people who are going to be without a safety net. If you get someone in their 20s or early 30s who reaches their time limit, they've got a long time left as parents and adults with no safety net."

New Laws Have Laid-Off Virginia Workers Covered

2009-05-04T16:00:00-07:00

Federal law now allows workers who've lost their job from September 2008 through the end of this year to extend their health care benefits. And a new law in Virginia extends the opportunity to nearly all workers who have recently become unemployed, even those who were working for small businesses.

Jay Speer Receives Virginia Elder Rights Award

2009-04-30T08:40:00-07:00

Senator Donald McEachin has commented that Jay "has taught and demonstrated to General Assembly members to continually remember our responsibility to those left behind . . . ." An elder rights advocate remarked that "he doesn't give up and if he gets discouraged, it doesn't slow him down. I see his work as creating ripples that ... make differences large and small in the lives of those in need."

Virginia Attorney General Recognizes Innovative Domestic Violence Prevention Programs

2009-04-29T07:28:00-07:00

"Communities that take a stand against domestic violence should be recognized. We look forward to sharing the successful efforts of the selected communities with law enforcement agencies, government officials, victim services providers, and others in the private and public sectors across the Commonwealth."

Legislators Who Voted Against $125 Million for Unemployed Virginians

2009-04-24T12:44:00-07:00

VPLC Data

Richmond-area foreclosure activity up 69%

2009-04-22T17:00:00-07:00

A week ago, RealtyTrac reported state foreclosure data for the first quarter and March, which showed repossession activity in Virginia up 12 percent and 17 percent, respectively, from a year ago. The Richmond area was ranked No. 96 among 203 metropolitan areas in the quarter, up from No. 153 a year ago.

Virginia Health Reform Campaign Begins

2009-04-21T07:53:00-07:00

"We can't fix the economy without fixing health care," Schechner said. "It's bankrupting our families, it's bankrupting our local governments and it's bankrupting our businesses. We have to get this fiasco under control once and for all."

Group wants justice for area seniors

2009-04-16T07:08:00-07:00

The Legal Aid Justice Center hosts a Java for Justice session about elderly rights and legal reforms in nursing home care.

Kaine takes up for Virginia's jobless

2009-04-14T10:32:00-07:00

"These are Virginians who are struggling to make ends meet and to keep a foothold in a very difficult economy," Kaine writes in an e-mail to the mailing list of his political-action committee, Moving Virginia Forward.

Sides seek compromise after vote on jobless benefits

2009-04-10T08:57:00-07:00

The governor reiterated his disappointment with the General Assembly's vote, noting that it was the only portion of Virginia's $4.8 billion share of the recovery package that Republicans chose to block. The additional money is intended to provide first-ever benefits for unemployed part-time workers and those not working but training for other positions.

Va. General Assembly Rejects $125M in Stimulus Money

2009-04-08T18:42:00-07:00

The change to Virginia's unemployment system would have allowed thousands of Virginians who work part time or are in approved job training programs to be eligible to receive benefits. Almost 300,000 Virginians are unemployed, pushing the state's jobless rate to 6.7 percent.

With Unemployment Rates Climbing in Virginia, VPLC Urges General Assembly to Sign Stimulus Legislation to Help Unemployed

2009-04-06T13:29:00-07:00

"It is time for Virginia to not only be a business friendly state but a worker friendly state as well," said Ty Jones, Staff Attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

Lawmakers Set to Decide on Extension of Benefits to Military Spouses

2009-04-06T09:13:00-07:00

LaTonya Reed, a policy analyst for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, says that because military transfers are mandatory, these 'trailing spouses' are in an unique position.

Virginia's unemployed need extended help

2009-04-05T10:00:00-07:00

If the General Assembly rejects Kaine's plan and the federal dollars attached, families across Virginia face the loss of their homes and vehicles. Men and women struggling to better themselves will have to cut short educational opportunities and settle for unskilled, low-paying jobs with no hope for future financial stability.

Tax credit, food-stamp increase take effect today

2009-04-01T07:50:00-07:00

A tax credit amounting to $400 a year for most workers will benefit more than 2.9 million Virginians. The credit will reduce the taxes withheld from most workers' paychecks by about $13 per week this year and $7.70 next year. Today is the deadline for employers to begin implementing the credit as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Kaine announces increase in food stamp benefits

2009-03-30T13:07:00-07:00

"No Virginia family should go hungry. During tough economic times, this increase will make such an important difference for those who need a little extra help putting nutritious food on the table," said Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Commissioner Anthony Conyers Jr.

Gov: Expand Unemployment Benefits to Include Part-Timers

2009-03-30T11:46:00-07:00

"If you don't have unemployment insurance, then you are even more likely to need public assistance like Medicaid, welfare or children's health insurance coverage for your kids. To the extent that we have a more robust unemployment insurance system, we also help avoid costs for public-assistance programs."

Study: Access to a Lawyer Strongly Decreases Domestic Violence

2009-03-27T10:06:00-07:00

Larry Harley, SVLAS executive director, says the organization's attorneys help victims with legal issues, such as custody and financial support, but also help them look ahead to a stable future, free of violence. A lawyer's support makes it possible for victims to imagine themselves as successful survivors, he adds.

Va. gets failing grade on protecting youth from domestic violence

2009-03-25T12:15:00-07:00

Break the Cycle, in its 2009 State-by-State Teen Dating Violence Report Card says that Virginia, along with 15 other states, does not specify who can file for a protection order on behalf of a juvenile, according to the group.

Tax Refund Gadgets Cost Neediest VA Families $64 Million

2009-03-16T09:22:00-07:00

"What is often hidden is that there are lots of fees attached to this. You can lose a significant portion of your refund."

$1 million grant for uninsured children

2009-03-11T10:16:00-07:00

"With the support of this grant, DMAS will be able to focus resources on retaining eligible children in our health insurance programs and on identifying new opportunities for maximizing enrollment."

"Voices for Change" Foster Care Art Exhibit

2009-03-09T13:20:00-07:00

32 pieces from the "Voices for Change" competition will be part of a traveling exhibit this spring and fall in Virginia.

VA Organizing Project: Everyone Has A Right to Health Care

2009-03-09T10:46:00-07:00

"The concept is relatively simple: People in America should not be going without health care. Children should not have to wait until they have to go to the emergency room because things have gotten so bad."

Poverty in Virginia -- New report underscores financial woes

2009-02-23T14:04:00-08:00

An alarming new report from the Commonwealth Institute is warning that Virginia's poverty level could increase by as much as 218,000 people if national unemployment levels reach 9 percent.

Aid Staff Nearing 'Breaking Point'

2009-02-19T06:46:00-08:00

"The state and federal mandates are staying the same, but the circumstances are changing so that more and more people are meeting the criteria to be screened for expedited food stamps," he said, noting that when people unexpectedly lose their job they can usually qualify to receive food stamps within a week.

State program helps children lacking health coverage

2009-02-16T09:00:00-08:00

"Virginia has one of the leanest Medicaid programs in the country, and in a recession, more people depend upon it," Hanken said. "This is just not the time to cut the program."

Online petition hopes to minimize state education money cuts

2009-02-10T09:00:00-08:00

"Virginia's low income students are almost twice as likely as middle and upper income students not to graduate on time," says Sarah Geddes, attorney with the JustChildren Program of the Legal Aid Justice Center, an Alliance coalition partner, in a news release.

Foster parents would get say in kids' education

2009-02-08T09:00:00-08:00

"The most important thing is to make sure that every child in foster care has an advocate who knows them and cares about them and helps make decisions about their futures," Ciolfi said. "We hope this bill will make that easier."

Deluge Is Holding Up Benefits to Unemployed

2009-02-05T17:42:00-08:00

"They keep coming," said R. Peyton Whiteley, a lawyer for Legal Services of Northern Virginia, referring to phone calls from distressed, recently laid-off workers. "People can't get to speak to someone, people getting bounced off phone lines, people don't get their money on time, people don't get their money at all.... It goes on and on."

Kaine aims to hike taxes to save Medicaid

2009-02-02T19:18:00-08:00

"It's virtually impossible to (cut Medicaid) without slashing programs and dramatically affecting provider rates, patient services, and possibly eligibility," Hanken said. "Without the tobacco tax, there would need to be additional cuts."

Special-education bill advances

2009-01-29T15:00:00-08:00

State lawmakers don't want special-education students in Virginia to lose their one year to appeal a due-process hearing decision, so they are trying to write it into law.

Proposed closures worry parents with children in need

2009-01-24T09:00:00-08:00

The closings of the state's last two centers for mentally ill youth would come even as both facilities are registering increased admissions, as reimbursement and insurance woes mount for private hospitals, and as community-based mental-health care likely will be trying to absorb 15 percent to 20 percent cuts in local-government contributions.

Going on the dole isn't easy work

2009-01-14T07:16:00-08:00

Earlier, maybe one or two clients a year encountered problems simply completing an application for unemployment benefits, and a lone paralegal handled most of the cases. Now, that paralegal plus Kalantari, half a dozen law students, and other lawyers who pitch in cannot keep up with filing plus preparing the actual legal facts of an employee's dismissal whenever an employer challenges the claim.

Virginia foreclosures skyrocket

2009-01-07T11:05:00-08:00

What's more, most people facing foreclosures have been in their houses less than three years, according to data from Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia Inc.