After a whirlwind General Assembly session, we wanted to take a moment to recognize the good work of our many advocacy partners, who notched a series of important legislative victories this year. Thanks to the combined efforts of so many, the 2026 session resulted in several policy changes with potential implications for health, economic stability and community well-being.
Among the many significant developments:
- The passage of a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave Program
- Efforts to strengthen worker protections
- Several measures intended to address housing affordability and economic stability
- Extending the validity period of Virginia’s Driver Privilege Cards, reducing barriers for eligible immigrant Virginians
- Legislation to strengthen trust between communities and public institutions
Together, these measures have the potential to support healthier, more equitable outcomes and may prove particularly meaningful for those that often face significant barriers, including communities of color, immigrant communities, and low-income families.
Paid leave allows workers to care for themselves or loved ones during an illness without risking their livelihoods. An extended Driver Privilege Card helps reduce barriers to employment, childcare, education, and healthcare by making transportation more accessible for immigrant communities. New limitations on certain forms of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal civil immigration enforcement may build trust and reduce fear, which often prevents people from seeking care, reporting crimes, attending schools, or accessing services.
These victories did not happen by accident. They are the result of years of organizing, coalition-building, community engagement, and advocacy by organizations across the region. Our partners and many others helped shape conversations, elevate community voices, and advance policies that promote health, racial, and ethnic equity. And so often, they did all of this critical work behind the scenes.
We want to thank our partners for their ongoing advocacy efforts and join them in acknowledging that while important progress was made this year, significant work remains. We remain dedicated to working together to ensure that every Virginian, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or immigration status, can fully access the resources and opportunities they need to live healthy and productive lives.