Youngkin offers support to federal workers in Virginia

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is making good on his promise to help federal workers who lost their jobs due to cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. He recently unveiled a new website, virginiahasjobs.com, aimed at assisting these workers in finding new employment within the Virginia government.

Speaking at the Capital One Center in McLean, Youngkin expressed his concern for the affected workers, stating, “We care about you,” and highlighting the support system in place to help them secure new opportunities. The newly launched website is described as a “federal workers support resource package” designed to aid federal employees in transitioning to new roles in the event of job displacement.

Youngkin emphasized the availability of openings in state government and encouraged workers to explore the website to discover potential opportunities. The site serves as a gateway to job sources and regions, as well as listings on popular job search platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by federal workers amidst job cuts, Youngkin extended his empathy towards those experiencing uncertainty. He urged workers to utilize the resources provided on the website to navigate their way towards fulfilling career paths.

While Youngkin’s efforts have been praised for aiding displaced workers, some Democrats in Virginia have criticized his alignment with the president and perceived lack of defense for Virginians. House Speaker Don Scott and Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell expressed disappointment in Youngkin’s approach, referring to the website as “an insult.”

Despite facing criticism, Youngkin has stood by his support for the recent DOGE cuts, citing the necessity of driving efficiency within the federal government. He emphasized that while the federal workforce is not to blame for the situation, organizational changes are imperative in addressing financial challenges.

With Virginia hosting a significant population of federal employees, totaling over 144,000 according to a recent congressional report, the impact of job cuts extends beyond state borders. The inclusion of commuters working in nearby Washington, D.C. and Maryland elevates the count to over 300,000, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the one launched by Governor Youngkin to support affected workers.