OUR THANKS . .

for all you have done to persuade Virginia's leaders that it is time to bring our state's unemployment insurance system into the 21st Century! 

We garnered over 1,000 signatures on our initial petition, and while the first vote in the General Assembly did not go our way, we remain hopeful that this important reform can be achieved.

To view a chart of the Delegates and Senators who voted against modernization, and the unemployment rates in their respective districts, click here. 

We will keep you informed of our progress. And thanks again!

PRESS CLIPS 

Charlottesville Daily Progress, May 5, 2009 Local Democrats Criticize Rep. Bell and others for opposing the changes needed to modernize Virginia's unemployment insurance system.

Collegiate Times, May 4, 2009 Read about our partner, The Interfaith Center for Public Policy, and its support of the Campaign for Virginia now.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 19, 2009.  Myths associated with SB1495 debunked.  Why Delegate Joseph Morrissey believes Virginia must accept $125 in stimulus funds for unemployment insurance benefits.

Charlottesville Daily Progress, April 1, 2009: Legal Aid Justice Center advocacy in support of unemployment insurance reform.

Richmond Times-Dispatch, April 16, 2009:   Michael Cassidy, Executive Director of The Commonwealth Institute, urges the state to take a more inclusive approach. 

Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 26, 2009:  Governor Kaine's proposal that would give Virginia access to these badly needed funds

Washington Post, February 5, 2009: The unemployment system is failing those who need it most.  

C'ville Weekly, January 13, 2009:  Unemployment problems hit home in Charlottesville.  

The Campaign to Help Virginia Now is a coalition founded by the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, the Virginia Poverty Law Center, and the Legal Aid Justice Center.