I was recently contacted by a constituent who was on unemployment and questioned the new benefits he would be receiving as a result of the Stimulus Funds that the General Assembly passed.  In his case, his benefits will be extended from 26 weeks to as much as 59 weeks, in addition, he was already receiving the additional $25 per week that the General Assembly passed in April.  
 
While he is searching hard for a job, he feels a sense of relief that his benefits will not expire as portrayed in a recent partisan, political commercial.
 
In addition, 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 economy.
 
While unemployment is too high, Northern Virginia has the lowest in the State and Virginia is less than the national average.  With the job creation action we enacted in the 2009 session, I am hopeful a brighter future for Virginia is just around the corner.         
 
This weekend is the 29th Annual Herndon Festival.  I invite you to stop by my booth and visit.  I always look forward to the Festival and the sense of community it fosters. With any luck, the rain will stay away and the sun will shine!     
 
Warm regards,