Virginia Poverty Law Center News
Feds: Affordable Health Coverage Increasingly Out of Reach in Virginia
Public News Service, July 2, 2009
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.
Countrywide settlement funds to help with foreclosure counseling
The Virginian-Pilot, June 29, 2009
The settlement, reached in January, was based on accusations of deceptive mortgage practices by the company, the attorney general's office announced.
Domestic violence nonprofit's workload increases
The Daily Press, June 29, 2009
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
VPLC Press Release, June 26, 2009
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
Loudoun Times-Mirror, June 23, 2009
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
WSLS, June 15, 2009
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
VPLC Fact Sheet, June 3, 2009
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
The Virginian-Pilot, May 27, 2009
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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 17, 2009
"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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 17, 2009
"[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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 15, 2009
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
The US Daily, May 13, 2009
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
Public News Service, May 11, 2009
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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 10, 2009
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
Office of the Governor Press Release, May 7, 2009
"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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 7, 2009
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
Public News Service, May 7, 2009
The plan will focus on three areas, Tavenner says: jobs, affordable housing and an adequate safety net.
Returning vets may face another battle
Midlothian Exchange, May 6, 2009
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
Culpeper Star-Exponent, May 6, 2009
"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
Public News Service, May 4, 2009
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
Virginia Elder Rights Coalition Press Release, April 30, 2009
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
PRNewsWire, April 29, 2009
"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
VPLC, April 24, 2009
Virginia Poverty Law Center Data
Richmond-area foreclosure activity up 69%
Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 22, 2009
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
Bristol Herald Courier, April 21, 2009
"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
Charlottesville Daily Progress, April 16, 2009
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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 14, 2009
"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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 10, 2009
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
Washington Post, April 8, 2009
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
VPLC Press Release, April 6, 2009
"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
Public News Service, April 6, 2009
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
The Virginian-Pilot, April 5, 2009
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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 1, 2009
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
WDBJ, March 30, 2009
"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
Public News Service, March 30, 2009
"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
Public News Service, March 27, 2009
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
The Virginian-Pilot, March 25, 2009
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
Public News Service, March 16, 2009
"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
WAVY, March 11, 2009
"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
VPLC, March 9, 2009
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
Public News Service, March 9, 2009
"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
Bluefield Daily Telegraph, February 23, 2009
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'
Washington Post, February 19, 2009
"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
Virginian-Pilot, February 16, 2009
"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
WSLS, February 10, 2009
"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
Charlottesville Daily Progress, February 8, 2009
"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
Washington Post, February 5, 2009
"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
Collegiate Times, February 2, 2009
"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
Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 29, 2009
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
NewsVirginian.com, January 24, 2009
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
C-Ville.com, January 14, 2009
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
Stafford County Sun, January 7, 2009
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.
New Va. payday lending law takes effect Jan. 1
NewsVirginian.com, December 31, 2008
"I think it’s outrageous that after all that we went through in the General Assembly last year that they would then just go right out and try to avoid the new law," said Jay Speer, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center.
Recession Could Cause Large Increases in Poverty and Push Millions Into Deep Poverty
Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, November 24, 2008
Because this recession is likely to be deep and the government safety net for very poor families who lack jobs has weakened significantly in recent years, increases in deep poverty in this recession are likely to be severe.
New Va. payday lending law takes effect Jan. 1
NewsVirginian.com, December 31, 2008
"I think it’s outrageous that after all that we went through in the General Assembly last year that they would then just go right out and try to avoid the new law," said Jay Speer, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center.
State extends heating assistance application deadline
WSLS, November 13, 2008
Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced an extension to apply for the state's Fuel Assistance program to help households meet rising energy costs. The new deadline is December 1, 2008.
Beyond Election '08 - Building Interfaith Bridges
Public News Service, November 13, 2008
"It's about bringing people from different religious backgrounds together to build houses, to clean rivers, to tutor children, and to talk about what it is in our different faiths that inspire us to come together to build understanding and serve others."
Reaching Out To Lend a Hand
Centre View Northern Edition, October 29, 2008
Aranda said his organization is also targeting immigration reform. "I believe this is a good chance for everybody to get papers, get training and find a job," he said. "And the best way to empower [immigrants] is to teach them about their rights."
Advocates Say State's Grad Plan Doesn't Quite Make the Grade
Public News Service, October 28, 2008
Proponents of the current plan argue that any credential is better than none. Ciolfi counters that it is possible to have a plan that encourages all students to stay in school to earn standard and advanced diplomas. In her view, Virginia is a leader when it comes to education policy, so there's no reason not to have high expectations.
Domonoske and Capers to be Named Advocates of the Year by Virginia Poverty Law Center
VPLC Press Release, October 23, 2008
The Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) will present Tom Domonoske and Sue Capers as the first recipients of the John Kent Shumate Jr. Advocate of the Year Award. The award, in honor of the late John Kent Shumate Jr., a VPLC board member, will be given at the Statewide Legal Aid Conference on November 6 in Virginia Beach.
'Immigration: More than a borderline issue'
StarExponent.com, October 17, 2008
"A handful of state and local officials are trying to 'fix' the guidelines on their own," Freilich said. "It's creating fear among immigrants in Virginia and that fear is creating conditions that abuse and exploit immigrants."
Help Available for Prince William to Shed its "Crown" in Foreclosure Crisis
Public News Service, October 17, 2008
Scruggs warns of a new crop of scams popping up to take advantage of people now facing foreclosure, and it's critical for those affected to get advice from the right sources. His advice for those struggling to pay their mortgage is to be wary of anyone offering a quick fix, for a price.
Advocacy groups fight for children's issues at rally in Richmond
NBC 12, September 16, 2008
"There are 9 million children in the U.S. who don't have health insurance and more than 13 million who live in poverty," says Jill Hanken, Virginia Poverty Law Center staff attorney. "It's in all of our interests to do things for children to help them be productive adults."
Rally in Richmond for children's issues
Richmond Times-Dispatch, September 15, 2008
"Millions of American children live in poverty, millions are alone every day after school, millions are without health insurance and millions have no early-learning opportunities. Even in challenging times, our candidates and legislators need to make children and families the priority."
Va. Stretches to Help Workers Make Transition From Welfare
The Washington Post, August 3, 2008
"They are considering what people are going through once they get off welfare, but I think they are most concerned about not being penalized," said Ty Jones, a staff attorney at the Virginia Poverty Law Center.
Millions of Stimulus Bucks Still Unclaimed in VA
Public News Service, July 31, 2008
The deadline for filing the simplified tax form is October 15. It only takes a few minutes, and there are several resources for Virginians who may need filing assistance.
Virginia's jobless rate the highest in 4 years
The Roanoke Times, July 31, 2008
Bill Mezger, chief economist for the VEC, said a struggling economy was but one factor driving the June unemployment rates.
Richmond foreclosures jump 805 percent
Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 26, 2008
Jay Speer, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center, said the largest clusters of foreclosures in the Richmond area are in black neighborhoods.
Legal Aid to help in foreclosure process
SWVAToday.com, July 15, 2008
Amid news items about the Federal Reserve and Treasury Department planning a rescue for troubled mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the larger news of tanking housing markets around the country, Southwest Virginia Legal Aid Society began a counseling project to help homeowners here through the foreclosure process or to avoid it altogether.
Food Stamp Use Increases Due to Struggling Economy
WCAV, July 14, 2008
The Virginia State Social Services says there has been a 6.81% increase in participation from June 2007 to June 2008.
Legality of school fees gets board's attention
OurValley.org, July 9, 2008
"Fees for instruction, materials and services that are required for students to benefit from instruction during the school day are and always have been unlawful. I think Roanoke County should be commended for addressing the issue of school fees head on. I hope other school divisions across the state follow their lead," Angelica Ciolfi, Legal Aid Justice Center attorney, said.
Health Care for America NOW kicks off grassroots movement
WDBJ, July 8, 2008
Members of the coalition believe the state's Medicaid program is too restrictive. They say even people with insurance are struggling with higher co-pays and deductibles. "They've postponed needed treatment, skipped recommended tests, cut pills in half, or skipped doses of a medicine. So the United States has an enormous problem," said Jill Hanken, with Virginia Poverty Law Center.
Voices for Change is an opportunity for foster youth to creatively express their thoughts about foster care
Virginia Poverty Law Center, July 3, 2008
Youth between the ages of 12 and 21 who are presently in foster care in Virginia or who were adopted out of Virginia's foster care system after August 15, 2007 are invited to submit an original essay, poem, painting, drawing or photograph that describes their experiences in foster care or their ideas for change.
Hearing looks at those who immigrate
The Roanoke Times, June 19, 2008
There are between 250,000 and 300,000 undocumented immigrants in Virginia, who contribute between $260 million and $311 million in taxes, according to a recent study by The Commonwealth Institute. Their contributions should entitle them to more state services, advocates said. Rachel MacKnight, a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley, said Virginia should extend Medicaid benefits to immigrants, which would make them less likely to go to emergency rooms for basic medical care.
Kaine approves bills boosting protection for violence victims
The Virginian-Pilot, June 3, 2008
Calling sexual violence "a crime that has been shrouded for way too long," Kristine Hall of the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance said the measures will give victims greater faith in the system and reduce barriers to services.
Kids pay for public school
C-Ville, May 21, 2008
Angela Ciolfi, author of the report, says that not only is this burdensome for low-income families and those with multiple kids, but it's unconstitutional.
State to hold clinics to prevent foreclosure
Virginia Business Magazine, May 20, 2008
"If you have concerns about the health of your mortgage, I encourage you to sign up for one of these free mortgage clinics," Kaine said a in a statement. "Whether you are just beginning to have trouble making your mortgage payments, or you are already in foreclosure, our hope is that the information you receive at the clinics will help you keep your home."
Jobless Claims Jump 25 Percent From '07 in N.Va.s
The Washington Post, May 18, 2008
"At this time, with the economy the way it is, do we really want to be 13th-worst?" said Ty Jones, a staff lawyer for the Virginia Poverty Law Center, which advocates for expanding laws so that more jobless Virginians can be eligible for benefits.
Kaine seeks advice on reforming health services
Danville News, May 16, 2008
Beyond the legislative and budgetary changes, Tavenner wants the consultant to look at how other states have found successes in areas such as foster care, and to review programs that may no longer be needed or could be delivered differently.
Foreclosures increase substantially in state and Richmond area
Richmond Times-Dispatch, May 1, 2008
One in every 246 households in Virginia -- or a total of 13,151 -- received notices of default, auction sales and bank repossessions from January through March, up 526 percent from the same period a year ago.
Virginia ranks low in funding of home care
The Roanoke Times, April 20, 2008
Because Virginia's reimbursement rate for home care doesn't cover all the costs of providing it, many home-care companies opt out of accepting Medicaid patients altogether. The companies that do accept Medicaid are plagued by worker shortages.
Reacting to Undocumented
Centre View Northern Edition, April 9, 2008
"It's nice to see a community with this [inclusive] approach to immigrants," [Freilich] said during the group's March 27 meeting. "I wish more communities were like this."
Legal Aid to give free advice sessions
The Daily Progress, April 5, 2008
The center is hosting its fourth annual Java for Justice series from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday this month. The free series, which includes lunch, will be held at the center's Charlottesville office at 1000 Preston Ave., Suite A.
Some immigrant children eligible for in-state tuition
The News & Advance, April 3, 2008
The ACLU of Virginia has taken aim at the interpretation, sending a letter to the presidents of state public universities stating "it is unconstitutional to deny a student in-state tuition based solely on the immigration status of his parents."
Why must Virginia's elderly be in nursing homes to get Medicaid support?
The Free Lance-Star, April 3, 2008
The issue, of course, is funding. Asking the feds for Medicaid waivers for residents in assisted-living facilities would oblige the state to pay for another new category of people.
Va. health care gets average grade in national ranking
Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 1, 2008
The rankings are in a federal government analysis of health care data for each state. The 2007 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports was compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
UVA law students help veterans
WSLS, March 28, 2008
A group, made up of attorneys and law students, is helping veterans get their claims heard in the Veterans Administration. The project is sponsored by the law school, the student-run Virginia Law Veterans and the Charlottesville/Albemarle Bar Association.
Virginia Shouldn't Provide Worst Foster Care
Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 23, 2008
Change is hard. The system is complex. But Virginia cannot continue to have the worst outcomes in the country for youth in foster care. We can do better, and the recently passed reform package moves us toward the day when rhetoric becomes reality -- when all of our children in foster care find permanent and loving homes in caring communities.
Illegal Immigration Issues Attract Little Interest Outside N.Va.
The Washington Post, March 15, 2008
"Bills dealing with behaviors that threaten public safety ought to be taken very seriously," [Governor] Kaine said. "Beyond that, you've got to be very careful."
Compromise doesn't withdraw Virginia from No Child Left Behind
The Virginian-Pilot, March 7, 2008
Instead, the governor will likely get a bill that leaves it to the Virginia Board of Education to recommend what to do if federal officials don't grant the state waivers from the landmark education law.
A bushel of immigration bills met with mixed reviews
The Virginian-Pilot, March 6, 2008
"When local police are seen as immigration agents, it destroys community policing efforts and undermines the trust between law enforcement and the immigrant communities of Virginia," said Tim Freilich, legal director of the Legal Aid Justice Center's Immigrant Advocacy Program.