MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Re: September 1, 2022

TOMORROW 11 AM: (Virtual) Press Conference and Release of The State of Working Virginia Report

Report Finds Alarming New Data

TCI and VICPP give media the first look at report being released tomorrow

Offer opportunity to speak to experts, advocates, and victims.

Zoom link: Click here to register

RICHMOND, Va – On Thursday, September 1, at 11 am, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI) and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) will hold a virtual press conference (Zoom link here) to announce the release of The State of Working Virginia report and discuss its findings.

The State of Working Virginia report highlights the need to do more to support workers in low-wage jobs and their families. It also includes some alarming new data that has previously been unreported, and its implications.

Speakers at the press conference will address the findings and significance of the report. The data will be brought to life through the sharing of personal stories of struggle, sacrifice, tragedy and injustice experienced by everyday Virginia workers from all over the Commonwealth who have been directly affected by the economic factors detailed in the report.

Experts and advocates will share what this means for working Virginians and for all Virginians:

Every Virginian’s daily routine is made possible by the goods and services provided to the community by Virginia’s workers. When Virginia workers suffer, all of Virginia suffers. We are all #WorkingVirginia.

The press conference kicks off Labor Day weekend, a time to uplift and honor the dignity of workers. An accompanying social media campaign called #WorkingVirginia will go through the Labor Day weekend with the goal of reminding Virginians what the holiday is about, and informing them about the findings of the State of Working Virginia report.

Call To Action

Workers in low-wage jobs struggle every week to make ends meet and provide for their families. They deserve better than the injustices they suffer every day. Legislation can enact the needed changes. Legislators need to be informed of the data and know that Virginia holds them accountable for and demands proper support for Virginia’s workers. Labor Day weekend is an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the policy changes needed to support these workers.

To that end, VICPP is calling on the media to educate and inform the public of these significant findings, and urge legislators to take action.

To receive a copy of the official public report when it is released on 9/1 around noon, or to access an embargoed version of the report for reporting purposes before the official release, for interviews of experts, advocates, and victims, Zoom conference recording and pre-recorded testimonial videos, please email ayeshagt@virginiainterfaithcenter.org. Please note that due to the reality of retaliation many workers face, some have shared their stories with VICPP but choose to remain anonymous for their safety.

PRESS CONFERENCE SPEAKERS:

Opening Remarks by Ashley Kenneth
President & CEO, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis

Mel Borja
Worker Power Policy Analyst, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis

Kim Bobo
Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Freddy Mejia
Deputy Director of Policy, The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis

Rev. Dr. Anthony L. Fludd
Assistant Pastor, St. Johns Church of God in Christ, Newport News, VA
Vice-Chair of the Board, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Session facilitated by:
Ayesha Taylor (VICPP)
Contact details below

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RESOURCES: 

 

Zoom Registration Link for Press Conference

The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis (TCI) advances racial and economic justice in Virginia by advocating for public policies that are designed in partnership with people most impacted, and shaped by credible, accessible fiscal and policy research.

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) advocates racial, social, and economic justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action. VICPP is a non-partisan coalition of 25,000 members – which includes 750 houses of worship, 1,000 clergy of all faiths and people of goodwill, ten chapters (and growing), many partner and affiliate organizations, most of the judicatory leaders in the state, and activists in every House and Senate district in Virginia, working for a more just and equitable society.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sherri Egerton
Communications Manager
The Commonwealth Institute
sherri@thecommonwealthinstitute.org
804-396-2051 x102

Ayesha Taylor
Director of Communications
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
AyeshaGT@virginiainterfaithcenter.org
804-719-1218