Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis

The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, commonly referred to as The Commonwealth Institute, is a U.S. nonprofit organization based in Virginia. It focuses on promoting left-of-center state-level policies through fiscal analysis and advocacy in areas such as labor, taxation, education, healthcare, and immigration.

Overview

The Institute operates with a mission to advance racial and economic justice in Virginia by advocating for public policies designed in partnership with communities most impacted by these issues. It emphasizes credible and accessible fiscal and policy research to inform its advocacy efforts[1][5].

Research and Advocacy Activities

The Commonwealth Institute structures its research into five primary issue areas:

• Budget, Tax & Fiscal Policy: Analyzing state and federal budget, tax, and fiscal proposals, focusing on their impact on Virginia[2].
• Labor & Wage: Examining employment, income, wages, poverty, and economic opportunity to support policies that create economic opportunities for families[2].
• Health Care: Analyzing healthcare legislation and reforms at both state and federal levels to increase accessibility and affordability of healthcare[2].
• Education: Focusing on state funding for public K-12 education, aiming for equitable and adequate resources for all students[2].
• Immigration: Studying the role of immigrants in Virginia's economy and advocating for policies that dismantle barriers to full potential[2].

Policy Positions

The Institute has supported several notable policy initiatives, including raising the Virginia minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026 and expanding Medicaid coverage[1]. It has also advocated for increased government spending during economic crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic[1].

The Commonwealth Institute is affiliated with organizations like the State Priorities Partnership and the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN), which are aligned with labor unions and progressive economic policies[1].

Publications and Outreach

The organization maintains a blog titled "The Half Sheet," which offers analysis on current events and policy impacts on various socioeconomic groups[1].

Leadership and Governance

As of recent data, the Institute's board includes members from organizations such as the National Employment Law Project, Capitol Financial Solutions, and the Virginia AFL-CIO[3].

Economic Security and Social Welfare

The Institute aims to improve economic security and social well-being for Virginia communities through policy research and analysis[3]. It emphasizes ending the criminalization of poverty, focusing on issues like fines and fees that affect employment opportunities for individuals with prior criminal records[2].