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The Rust Report
 
Posted: April 17, 2009
On April 8th, the Virginia General Assembly held their veto session to review recommendations that Governor Kaine made to some of the bills passed by the General Assembly earlier in the year.  The most talked about issue that came out of this veto session were the Governor's recommendations to SB1495, specifically using Stimulus money to expand benefits, for the first time, to part-time workers seeking part-time work and those in job training.  This may sound like a good idea, but I believe Virginians deserve to understand why my colleagues and I voted against the Governor's recommendations.  

IF we had accepted these funds, the federal funding that would pay for these expanded benefits would be a one-time incentive to permanently expand state benefits.  Once the federal funds run out, we will need new revenue to continue to offer the expanded benefits, meaning a permanent increase in state unemployment insurance payroll taxes which are now estimated to rise to more than $200 per employee by 2011.  

IF we had accepted these funds, it would set up an increased 'legacy' cost, not only for the Commonwealth, but also businesses in Virginia that fund the program.  Virginia's positive business climate has been very competitive and a reason why the Commonwealth is in better economic position compared to other states.  Let's keep it that way.

IF we had accepted these funds, Virginia would be compounding its economic challenges by raising the cost of doing business in Virginia and sending the wrong message to businesses looking to expand or locate in the Commonwealth.  Businesses create jobs.

Instead, I have supported initiatives that represent policies that seek to benefit employed workers without health insurance, laid-off employees, employers, and business that create new full-time jobs as illustrated below.

The General Assembly voted to extend the period of time that unemployed Virginians can receive unemployment benefits from the traditional 26 weeks to 59 weeks.  This extension will end when the $62 million of federal stimulus money expires in two years.  By then, I anticipate our economy will have rebounded.

The General Assembly voted to establish a 'mini-COBRA' program to allow employees of small businesses to have better access to the federal health insurance premium assistance program.  This legislation also provides an opportunity for small employers to assist their laid-off employees in retaining affordable health insurance coverage in order to weather the current economic recession.

The General Assembly voted to keep almost 1000 currently eligible Virginians from being removed from the unemployment rolls by not raising the eligibility limits.

Virginia has accepted $62.5 million in federal stimulus funding to support Virginia's unemployment insurance trust fund.  And there is almost $450 million federal funds that will be used to increase the weekly benefit by $25.

The General Assembly voted to extend the current major business facility job tax credit from Jan 1, 2010 to Jan 1, 2020.  This tax credit is provided to major businesses that create new full-time jobs in Virginia.

The General Assembly voted to authorize the Virginia Public Building Authority and the Virginia Resources Authority to finance economic development initiatives for major employment and investment projects performed by state and local government entities.

Virginia is also adding several new Unemployment Express Offices to better serve displaced workers.  In Northern Virginia, one will open up on April 27 in Centreville (14260-L Centreville Square).
 
I deeply care about keeping Virginians off of unemployment, and I believe the General Assembly's actions will help to continue to create jobs in the Commonwealth.  In closing, let me leave you with this thought:  
The best remedy for those without a job is not an unemployment check, but rather a paycheck!
 
Warm regards,
 
Tom Signature

 
Virginia Volunteer Week

 April 19-25 is Virginia Volunteer Week.  Thank you to all of our volunteers who selflessly give of themselves for the betterment of our community.  Volunteer service is needed now more than ever to tackle the tough social, economic, cultural, and humanitarian needs of our citizens.  Thanks to our Virginia Volunteers!
 

 
 
 
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