Resources for Federal Workers

Many folks have reached out in recent weeks to share their deep concerns regarding the impact of executive actions on our federal workforce. Over 140,000 federal civilian employees live and work in Virginia. Some estimates indicate that upwards of another 200,000 Virginians commute into Washington, DC or Maryland for federal jobs. These are dedicated workers who provide vital services that 8.7 million Virginians and 335 million Americans rely on every single day.

Earlier this month, Speaker Don Scott established the House Emergency Committee on the Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions. The stated purpose of the Committee, which formally held its inaugural meeting on Saturday morning, is to:

  • Collect and analyze data on the potential scope of workforce and funding cuts;

  • Assess the likely economic and budgetary impacts on Virginia;

  • Engage with stakeholders including state agencies, businesses and non profits to understand their concerns and gather mitigation strategies; and

  • Provide policy recommendations for the General Assembly to address the challenges posed by federal reductions. 

The first meeting featured presentations from policy experts and state and local government officials addressing the anticipated impact of reductions in federal workforce on Virginia workers, the degree of preparedness of the Virginia Employment Commission, and the scope and scale of federal spending in Virginia at both the state and local level. Footage from the first meeting is available here. 

Prior to adjourning sine die back in February, the General Assembly took a procedural action which will enable us to return to Richmond for a special session if necessary to take up legislation and budget items addressing the impacts upon the Commonwealth, its budget, and its services due to layoffs, firings, or reductions in force by the federal government, changes to federal government programs, actions of the Department of Government Efficiency, and other actions affecting the Commonwealth relating to the federal budget. 

In the meantime, Fairfax County has compiled some helpful resources for impacted individuals and families here. The Virginia Employment Commission has launched a site for former federal employees and other impacted workers here. My team and I are available to assist you as you navigate state agencies and programs and will do our best to help answer any questions you may have about state and local resources.

For additional support and resources, please visit the following websites:

  • Rep. Gerry Connolly and his team have compiled some great materials, available here.

  • Civil Service Strong has a number of fact sheets and helpful analysis, available here.

  • Democracy Forward is sharing calls to action and other helpful information, available here.

  • The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform website is here. You can report potential wrongdoing under the Trump Administration via this form.