Virginia job centers offer help to fired federal workers dealing with uncertainty after layoffs
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) — With so many federal workers in the DC area out of a job, a campaign is underway to let them know there are resources ready to help. These include how to file for unemployment benefits and guidance for transitioning to the private sector.
The Virginia Career Works Northern Region has released a webpage of resources for dislocated federal workers and contractors, which you can view here.
David Hunn, the executive director of VCW's Northern Region, told DC News Now he had not seen a situation like this in his 44-year career.
'With news day after day of more and more layoffs from federal agencies, we're starting to ramp up,' he said.
Laid off Federal Aviation Administration employee raises safety concerns
Hunn said while VCW has not seen a huge number of federal workers coming in, they have seen some and are expecting more. The agency has six Northern Virginia locations in Alexandria, Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudoun Counties.
'We would hope that with the resources that we have in this region, with the educational institutions, the cultural institutions, the many thousands of jobs that are available now, that there would be a reason for someone to stay in the Washington area,' he said.
Among the resources VCW is offering are resume workshops, interview tips, and a caseworker to assist those who come in for help with their job search.
This comes at a time when recently laid-off federal workers have to quickly figure out their next steps.
'A lot of worry, a lot of fear': DC area nonprofits feel the impact of federal worker layoffs
USAID Contractor John Burg told DC News Now at a federal worker town hall in Montgomery County he is still waiting for his unemployment claim to be approved by Maryland.
'Fortunately, I'm a little bit older and I have some savings to live off of, but those are going to go quick,' Burg said.
Burg explained some of his greatest concerns are protections for federal contractors, such as himself. He had worked for the past decade with USAID.
'We want to pay taxes, we want to serve the American people, but when you're sacked because of politically motivated, ideologically motivated, decisions, that hurts Americans,' he said.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
San Francisco Chronicle
20 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Newsom blasts Trump's arrest threat as ‘unmistakable step toward authoritarianism'
President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed the idea of arresting California Gov. Gavin Newsom over the state's resistance to federal immigration enforcement efforts in Los Angeles, intensifying a clash that has already drawn legal challenges and fierce rebukes from Democratic leaders. 'I would do it if I were Tom,' Trump said, referring to Tom Homan, his border czar, who over the weekend suggested that state and local officials, including Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, could face arrest if they interfered with immigration raids. 'I think it's great. Gavin likes the publicity, but I think it would be a great thing,' Trump added. Trump's remarks signal a sharp escalation in the administration's crackdown on sanctuary jurisdictions and a willingness to target political opponents in unprecedented ways. Newsom responded swiftly, calling Trump's words a chilling attack on American democratic norms. 'The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor,' Newsom wrote on X. 'This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism.' Tensions escalated sharply after Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles following days of civil unrest related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The deployment marked the first time a president has federalized a state's National Guard without the governor's consent since 1965. Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced plans to sue Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging the deployment was unlawful. 'Federalizing the California National Guard is an abuse of the President's authority under the law,' Bonta said at a press conference. 'There is no invasion. There is no rebellion.' Meanwhile, David Huerta, president of SEIU California, was charged with felony conspiracy to impede an officer after his arrest during the L.A. protests. Despite the furor, legal experts note that Homan lacks the authority to arrest elected officials, and his role remains advisory. Still, Trump's rhetoric has raised alarms among critics who view his comments as part of a broader pattern of undermining democratic institutions. 'This is a preview of things to come,' Newsom warned in an interview with Brian Taylor Cohen that he shared on social media. 'This isn't about L.A., per se,' the Democratic governor added. 'It's about us today, it's about you, everyone watching tomorrow. This guy is unhinged. Trump is unhinged right now, and this is just another proof point of that.' At a news conference held by lawmakers in Sacramento to discuss the protests in Los Angeles, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, said Trump's threat to arrest Newsom is a 'direct assault on democracy and an insult to every Californian.'
Business Upturn
21 minutes ago
- Business Upturn
PensionBee Survey Reveals Nearly Half of Americans Have Less Than One Year of Retirement Savings
NEW YORK, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nearly one in three Americans (30%) couldn't survive more than six months on their retirement savings if they had to stop working tomorrow, while 42% have less than one year of savings total, according to new data from PensionBee's Q2 Happy Retirement Report. Just one in ten Americans believes they can live off their savings for 10 years or more. These findings reveal more than a retirement problem—they expose a survival crisis hiding in plain sight. With traditional pensions declining and Social Security facing potential cuts, Americans across all generations are more dependent on personal savings than ever before. Yet most are lacking basic financial resilience. 'Low saving levels among older workers are particularly troubling,' said Romi Savova, CEO of PensionBee. 'In an economy where companies are cutting costs and older workers often face the longest unemployment periods, inadequate savings isn't just about retirement, it's about basic survival. Too many people are one layoff away from being forced into a retirement they can't afford. With AI poised to reshape entire industries, this financial vulnerability becomes an existential threat for millions of American families.' The Actions Behind the Numbers But here's what separates financial confidence from financial fantasy: specific, measurable actions. The survey reveals that confidence isn't built on hope—it's built on behavior. Among respondents who feel 'very positive' about retirement, 61% have structured retirement plans, half with professional guidance, and 25% have consolidated multiple accounts. In stark contrast, just 9% of Americans who feel 'very negative' about retirement have any structured retirement planning in place. Americans who felt 'very negative' about their retirement were also twice as likely (41%) to have delayed saving until age 30, compared to just 20% of those who reported a 'very positive' outlook. The data reveals the specific actions that separate confident savers from worried ones: starting early, maximizing employer benefits, consolidating old retirement accounts, and, when it makes sense, working with financial advisors. These aren't just nice-to-haves—they're the foundation of financial security in an uncertain economy. Retirement Preparedness Across Generations Gen Z: Building Financial Foundation Despite Early Challenges At 43%, Gen Z reports the second-highest retirement optimism, yet their behavior suggests financial vulnerability. Nearly one in five (19%) have already taken hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts—a concerning trend for a generation just starting their careers. However, they're also the most proactive: 25% plan to seek financial advice this year, and 29% are embracing online planning tools. Their challenge isn't awareness—it's building financial resilience while navigating an increasingly expensive economy. Millennials: Navigating Multiple Financial Priorities Millennials show clear signs of economic pressure from competing priorities. They report the lowest retirement confidence (41%) and are most likely to be managing student debt, aging parents, and childcare. Nearly one in four (22%) cash out their 401(k)s when changing jobs, compared to just 14% of Baby Boomers. Having entered the job market during the Great Recession, many developed financial habits that prioritize immediate needs over long-term wealth building. At 29%, they're most likely to delay starting retirement savings, missing crucial years of compound growth. Gen X: Managing Time Constraints and Competing Demands Gen X faces significant time pressure: 36% have less than one year of savings with fewer than 10 years until retirement age. Supporting both aging parents and college-bound children, they're working to build adequate retirement funds within a compressed timeframe. Further, only 23% consistently contribute enough to receive full employer matching funds, representing missed opportunities that could meaningfully improve their retirement outlook. Baby Boomers: Confident Outlook with Limited Savings Baby Boomers report the highest optimism (51%), though this confidence may not fully align with current retirement trends showing later retirement ages and continued reliance on part-time work. Despite being around retirement age, nearly half (49%) of Baby Boomers reported having five years or less of savings. This generation's optimism reflects a different economic era—one with pensions, affordable healthcare, and more predictable career paths. What Comes Next Despite these challenges, the survey reveals reason for optimism: half of Americans plan to increase contributions this year, suggesting growing awareness of the problem. 41% of Americans reported a positive retirement outlook in Q2—down over 10% from Q1's survey . This declining confidence seems to reflect not only the market volatility but perhaps a growing awareness that individual effort alone cannot solve a systemic problem. 'The widespread lack of retirement preparedness we're seeing isn't something workers can solve alone,' added Savova. 'Employers have a critical role beyond just offering a 401(k). When workers are cashing out accounts during job changes and missing employer matches, that's a clear signal that current benefit structures aren't working. We need to reform our system and take active steps: automatic enrollment, better education, and support systems that help departing employees preserve their savings rather than lose them.' About PensionBee PensionBee is a leading online retirement provider, helping people easily consolidate, manage, and grow their retirement savings. The company manages approximately $8 billion in assets and serves over 275,000 customers globally, with a focus on simplicity, transparency, and accessibility. Survey Methodology* Participation Details: The survey data was gathered and sent out by Attest between May 9, 2025 and May 13, 2025 to a total of 1,000 Americans across the 18 – 100 age groups. Voluntary Participation: Participation in the survey was voluntary. Respondents were free to decline participation or skip any questions they chose not to answer. Your investment can go down as well as up. This survey is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and should not be relied upon as sole decision-making tools. Nothing presented here constitutes tax, legal, financial or investment advice. This information does not take into account the specific financial, legal or tax situation, objectives, risk tolerance, or investment needs of any individual investor. All information provided is based on publicly available data and research at the time of posting. This information, and any associated customer testimonial or third party endorsement, does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any securities or investments. Your investment is at risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Media Contact: Adela McVicarSR PR Manager [email protected]
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Trump to urge newly naturalized US citizens to defend American way of life in video
FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump will tell immigrants at their naturalization ceremony that American culture is "yours to preserve," according to a new video obtained by Fox News Digital. "Today you receive the greatest gift ever granted by human hands: you become a citizen of the United States of America," Trump says in the video, which will now be played at every naturalization ceremony nationwide. "I welcome you into our national family. No matter where you come from, you now share a home and a heritage with some of the most exceptional heroes, legends and patriots to ever walk the face of the Earth," he continues. "You have it like nobody's had it before. With this sacred honor comes the highest responsibility. As you know, the American way of life is unique in all the world. And as Americans, we must fiercely guard it and defend it." Dhs Ending Participation In Naturalization Ceremonies In Sanctuary Jurisdictions The president emphasizes traditional values, calling on new citizens to uphold what he describes as the pillars of American society. Read On The Fox News App "In this country, we believe in hard work, a merit system and equality of opportunity. We believe in self-government and the fair, equal and impartial rule of law. And we cherish our liberty and our God-given rights to free speech, the free exercise of religion and the right to keep and bear arms," he says. "This special American culture is now yours to preserve. Your freedoms are now yours to protect." The message comes at a time when legal pathways to permanent residence in the U.S. are narrowing, making naturalization more important than ever for those already eligible. Dhs Open To Duck Dynasty Producer's Pitch For Immigrant-based Reality Show: 'Happy To Review' In 2024, over 800,000 people became naturalized U.S. citizens – a significant figure as the administration has taken increasingly hardline stances on illegal immigration. Trump's policies have centered on enhanced border enforcement, increased deportations and stricter scrutiny on asylum claims, signaling a return to many of the immigration approaches from his first term. Over the weekend, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles prompted protests that devolved into violence and the mobilization of the National Guard. The new video marks a symbolic shift from the Biden administration in how the White House views naturalized citizens – not just as legal newcomers, but as cultural stewards. Trump and his followers have long advocated for legal immigrants to assimilate to American culture. At the start of his administration, President Joe Biden recorded a video thanking immigrants for coming to America. "I want to thank you for choosing us and believing that America is worthy of your aspirations," Biden said in an April 2021 clip. "You all have one thing in common: Courage. The courage it takes to sacrifice and make this journey. The courage to leave your homes, your lives, your loved ones, and come to a nation that is more than just a place but rather an idea," he article source: Trump to urge newly naturalized US citizens to defend American way of life in video
