Losing a job -- and the access to insurance programs -- can be tough. Finding another one that's equal or better is tougher, especially in today's market.
Unemployment is paid from pooled funds -- an insurance program -- by employers, typically not from taxes.
Decent paying, full time jobs have been getting scarcer for a while now, and unemployment numbers in our region and state are still climbing. It's become quite aggravating to hear government employment figures without knowing the median wage for "new" jobs or whether these are full-time and include access to any benefits.
So why was extending unemployment benefits using federal funds a no-go in the Virginia legislature?
This shouldn't have become a partisan fight, but as stated in an opinion piece published in the News Messenger, these funds were rejected by Republicans. So expect them to go to another state's unemployed instead.
Did it matter to those casting a "nay" vote that nearly 300,000 Virginians are without work? This was not a vote to increase amounts paid out; it was to extend them and give job seekers more time to find work. Doing this wouldn't have set a historical precendent -- it's happened before in previous and less severe economic downturns.
The declined $125 million was significantly less than the billions handed out to failing corporations last year. When those unemployed or under-employed (working any hours they can for whatever they can) exhaust their savings, where will they turn? Unemployment doesn't cover most basics, much less anything frivolous or unnecessary -- then business goes down more, contributing to further job losses in Virginia.
The vote became a partisan issue in Virginia, with the Democratic Party picking it up. In Montgomery County, people will gather to canvas neighborhoods and get signatures asking for another vote on this matter on Sunday, April 19th at 1 pm at the Independence Secondary School at 208 College Street (former Christiansburg Middle School, downtown).
Those voting "nay" should have to spend time in VEC offices, and look the unemployed in the eye.