Unemployment Rate Soars 50% in One Year in Virginia

In its most recent report, the Virginia Employment Commission reported 289,000 unemployed individuals in Virginia, a rate of 7 percent, up from 3.6 percent one year ago.

If you're laid off or out of work, it's tough out there.
 
Really tough.
 
In its most recent report, the Virginia Employment Commission reported 289,000 unemployed individuals in Virginia, a rate of 7 percent, up from 3.6 percent one year ago.
 
The economic downturn is felt more strongly in certain parts of the state; Martinsville city has just recently recorded a jobless rate of 20.8 percent.
 
Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner said this week that the U.S. Department of Labor will release $62.8 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in unemployment insurance funds to Virginia.

The Virginia Employment Commission can use these incentive funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.

However, the $63 million is only a portion of the available assistance from the Department of Labor to assist Virginians laid off during the economic downturn.
 
In April, the Virginia House of Delegates rejected more than $125 million in additional funding for Virginia that is available through the recovery act.

“While I’m pleased with today’s action, I find it regrettable that Virginia families will not receive the additional assistance available through the American Recovery Act,” Webb said. “At a time of soaring unemployment and budget shortfalls, this investment will provide needed resources to help the most vulnerable get back on their feet.”

“These funds will help unemployed Virginians during tough economic times, especially those who are relatively new to the workforce who have lost their jobs,” Warner said. “These funds will help many displaced workers as we continue to work to get this economy back on track."
 
Contact ksigety07@ehc.edu.