Chris Saxman on proposed changes to unemployment insurance laws

Delegate Chris Saxman (R-Staunton) issued the following statement regarding actions by the General Assembly during yesterday’s Reconvened Session that would have permanently changed Virginia’s unemployment insurance laws in order to receive short-term, temporary federal funding.

“Today there has already been much coverage of yesterday’s Reconvened Session in Richmond, and unfortunately that coverage has contained misinformation about a House of Delegates’ vote regarding unemployment insurance laws in Virginia.

“Governor Kaine had proposed permanently amending Virginia’s unemployment insurance laws in order to receive an additional $125 million in temporary federal funding- this in addition to $62 million already being extended to the Commonwealth for unemployment benefits. While this federal money may have seemed to be short-term, quick-fix, it would have been a job-killer, and when those federal funds ran out, Virginia would have been left holding the bill for another federal unfunded mandate.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges Virginians are facing -- challenges I have experienced first-hand through our small family business. This is exactly why the legislature worked together this past session to pass meaningful, comprehensive initiatives that will provide real benefits to Virginians. We extended unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 59 weeks of coverage. We passed legislation to establish a program that allows employees of small businesses to have better access to the federal health insurance premium assistance program. We extended tax credits to businesses that create new full-time jobs here in the Commonwealth. Additionally, we approved funding for economic development incentives to attract new businesses to Virginia, aide in workforce development and promote tourism.

“The economic challenges we face are real, and Virginians expect comprehensive solutions and a balanced, long-term approach to address these problems. A short-term check from the federal government is no substitute for real, pragmatic solutions that will create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and get Virginians working again in long-term, full-time jobs that provide good pay and good benefits.”

Cross-posted on SixtyFour81.com