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Monthly Archives: January 2025

BLOG: Virginia Families Struggle Under Heavy Energy Burdens

Posted on January 17, 2025 - 3:44 pm by

By Jimmie Lee Jarvis

High utility bills are forcing Virginians to choose between essentials like groceries and medication and keeping their home at a safe temperature during hot summers and cold winters. Low-income families, renters, and residents of manufactured homes are the most vulnerable to high energy costs.

A household’s “energy burden” is the percentage of income spent on utility bills. In the US, an energy burden higher than 6% is considered unaffordable. Virginia has the 11th highest average residential electricity bills in the continental U.S. Over 75% of Virginia households have an energy burden higher than the 6% affordability threshold.

Households earning <80% Area Median Income often struggle to choose between paying utility bills and essentials like groceries, medication, and gas to get them to work. Low-income households pay over 25% more in energy costs per square foot, and low-income communities with a high energy burden often have higher eviction rates than less-burdened areas, reflecting the tension between energy costs and rent.

Nearly 60% of low-income households are renter-occupied, meaning that they cannot benefit from efficiency improvements unless landlords are willing to front the costs. Because rental units are generally older, smaller, and less efficient, renters spend over 30% more per square foot on energy than homeowners. Residents of manufactured homes have an energy burden that is, on average, over 80% higher than that of site-built homes.

High energy cost burdens for low-income families in Virginia have far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the affected households. When a significant portion of income is spent on energy bills, these families often face difficult choices between heating their homes and other essential needs like food, healthcare, and rent. This financial strain can lead to increased demand for public assistance programs, which in turn places a greater burden on state resources and taxpayers. Additionally, high energy costs can contribute to health issues, as families may resort to unsafe heating methods or endure extreme temperatures. The broader community also feels the effects through higher healthcare costs and reduced economic productivity. 

Addressing energy cost burdens not only improves the quality of life for low-income families but also promotes a healthier, more economically stable Virginia for everyone. Contact your representatives today and urge them to prioritize relieving the energy burden Virginians are struggling under. Make your voice heard!

Blog: Once Again, I Am Asking You to Cover All Kids

Posted on January 7, 2025 - 12:46 pm by

by Kimberly Nario

 

If you’re not familiar with this ask, I’m simply asking the Virginia legislature to pass a bill that will guarantee access to quality health coverage for all children. This might sound simple because it is simple. Yet the legislation for this has not made its way to a governor’s desk despite years of efforts from advocates and activists. Before I get into what you can do to make 2025 the year we finally cover all kids, let’s talk about why it’s so important. 

 

Cover All Kids removes barriers so that all kids, regardless of race, income level, zip code, or immigration status have access to affordable, quality health care. Illness doesn’t know borders. It doesn’t know citizenship. It doesn’t know income. But what do we know? We know that when kids don’t have access to affordable, quality health care, it means things don’t get caught early or treated properly. It means longer absences from school. It means a financial strain on families. 

 

13,000. That’s about how many children aren’t eligible for health coverage in Virginia. They’re our neighbors, our kids’ classmates, even our own family members. If we want Virginia to be the best place to work and raise families, then we have to give working people and families the support they need to thrive. Like I said, it’s simple. 

 

Still not convinced? Then check out this op-ed by Dr. Emily Gonzalez and Dr. Christine Page-Lopez. They share stories of patients–children–directly impacted by a lack of access to health coverage. They also note that currently 11 states and Washington, D.C. provide access to health coverage for children regardless of immigration status. Let’s add Virginia to that list! Tell your legislators to COVER ALL KIDS!