Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin is making strides to fulfill his commitment to support federal employees impacted by job cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The Republican leader has unveiled a new online platform, virginiahasjobs.com, aimed at assisting these workers in securing employment within the state government.
During an event at the Capital One Center in McLean, Youngkin expressed his administration's dedication to aiding displaced federal workers. "We care about you," he stated, emphasizing the availability of a "support system in order to help you find that next great opportunity."
The website is branded as a "federal workers support resource package," designed to facilitate the transition of federal employees into new roles should they face job dislocation. Youngkin highlighted the availability of state government positions, noting, "We have openings in state government, and they will find a link on our website to go find those opportunities as well."
As reported by Fox News, the website serves as a conduit, linking job seekers to various employment resources, including regional job sources and listings on platforms such as Indeed and LinkedIn. Youngkin urged those affected to "take advantage of the resources that will help you find your pathway to that career of your dreams," while acknowledging the genuine concerns faced by many federal workers in Virginia. "I actually have extraordinary empathy for the fact that there are many workers in Virginia today, from our federal workforce, who are experiencing real concerns," he added.
However, the governor's initiative has not been without criticism. Some Virginia Democrats have accused Youngkin of aligning with presidential policies rather than defending the interests of Virginians. House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, labeled the website "an insult," while Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell, D-Fairfax, criticized it as a superficial gesture, stating, "Glossy websites and slogans cant cover up his political capitulation and a Governor who has turned his back on his constituents when they need it most."
Youngkin has openly supported the recent DOGE cuts, arguing their necessity in addressing inefficiencies within the federal government. "We have a federal government that is inefficient, and we have an administration thats taking on that challenge, rooting out waste, fraud and abuse and driving efficiency in our federal government," he asserted, adding, "It needs to happen." Despite this stance, he clarified that the "federal workforce is not at fault here," but rather, the changes are akin to those any CEO would implement in an organization facing significant financial challenges.
Virginia is home to a substantial number of federal employees, with over 144,000 residing in the state as of a December 2024 congressional report. This figure swells to over 300,000 when including commuters from Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
Youngkin's efforts to provide a safety net for these workers underscore his administration's focus on facilitating a smooth transition for those affected by federal job cuts, while also advocating for a more efficient government.
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