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Would it have been a good idea to expand unemployment benefits in Virginia or is the price just not worth it?
Martinsville, VA -
Governor Tim Kaine (web) - "Why legislators would turn that money away and especially turn it away when it is directed to help the people who have been hit the hardest in this economy I think is almost beyond reason."
Governor Kaine is lashing out at some lawmakers, after they voted against expanding Virginia's unemployment benefits. Kaine spent Thursday in Martinsville, the hardest hit part of our state. As we've reported, more than 20 percent of people there are unemployed.
Much of the talk centered around the fact that lawmakers voted against taking $125 million in federal stimulus money. We spoke with Governor Kaine Thursday and he is extremely frustrated, heartbroken even,
Those who voted it down, say it would have become a financial burden on businesses and had too many federal strings attached. The governor says they've made a bad call.
Governor Tim Kaine, (D) Virginia -"$125 million in stimulus money for displaced workers. People who are seeking training, or who get laid off of part time jobs. Those dollars would have been enormously helpful in this region."
A region with the state's highest unemployment rate. Governor Kaine says while opponents are quote "shaking their fists" at Washington, they're punishing struggling Virginians.
"There's a lot of people around in this area that are without jobs that could use the extra money to help them get training or help them over until they can find a job."
But those opposed say not so fast. It's not as simple as passing out help to those in need. Of concern? Once the funding is gone, that cost would likely shift to small businesses.
"Anything that takes away from the private business in this county or anywhere else is taking away from the people everywhere."
Or this clause, originally in the bill, which allows a person to turn down a full-time job, to continue working part time and collecting partial unemployment benefits. Not fair, says Senator Steve Newman.
Sen. Steve Newman, (R) 23rd District - "The Senate of Virginia took out the most egregious parts. This whole notion that you could have someone who's getting unemployment, but refusing jobs and that's untenable."
Still, that's not enough to change these minds. They say the need outweighs the cost.
"I think it's a poor decision."
"I understand times are tough, but they got to understand times are tougher for the people in this area too. The people have got to live!"
And Governor Kaine says the House's actions are a major blow to those who need help most.
Click here to see the complete unemployment benefits bill.
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