Governor Kaine Lauds Work of VEC Employees

Press Release

Governor Kaine Lauds Work of VEC Employees

- Thanks, Encourages Alexandria Office -

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today thanked Virginia Employment Commission employees in Alexandria for the work they've done to help unemployed people in an area of the state hard hit by the national economic recession. The unemployment rate in Northern Virginia is 5.1 percent, more than double the rate this time last year. While lower than the state unemployment rate, the large population in the area means that about 64,000 individuals there are out of work.

"The men and women at this VEC office, and at other similar offices across the Commonwealth that I have visited in recent months, are working hard to help people affected by this economy," Governor Kaine said. "Statewide, we have created an Economic Strike Force, opened an Unemployment Insurance Express office, and expanded unemployment benefits to help hard-hit families. My administration and I will continue to do all in our power to help people through these difficult times."

In response to high unemployment statewide, Governor Kaine called together an Economic Crisis Strike Force to coordinate action among state agencies and local agencies responding to the unprecedented number of layoffs. That task force has held eight public meetings to coordinate resources. It also has shepherded legislative changes through the General Assembly to extend health insurance subsidies under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to employees of small businesses.

The Strike Force also is working to expand occupational opportunities for veterans by adding returning veteran resources to the Virginia Community College System "Wizard" computer program, and by enrolling Guardsmen in apprenticeship programs to help returning military members find civilian jobs.

The Strike Force is currently working on a series of resource fairs in hard-hit areas of the state to help laid-off workers assess their skill levels, enroll in skills training and enhance their job search efforts.

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