Republicans and Democrats are dueling -- again -- today over the defeat of expanded jobless benefits earlier this month by the GOP-controlled House of Delegates.
Republicans fired first at a Capitol Square news conference this morning, declaring that they're helping create jobs by killing unemployment benefits for some part-timers and those training for new jobs.
This afternoon, Democrats organized a conference call to tell reporters that Republicans are only interested in attacking President Barack Obama, whose stimulus plan would pay for the additional benefits.
When the General Assembly returned April 8, a partisan firefight erupted over a proposal by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine -- an Obama confidante -- to accept $125 million in federal funds for expanded jobless pay.
The Senate, narrowly controlled by Democrats, went along. But the Republican-dominated House killed the proposal, largely on a party-line vote. The parties have been quarreling since, and the sparring is likely continue in this gubernatorial and House election year.
House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, Del. Samuel A. Nixon Jr., R-Chesterfield, and several business owners said that rejecting the federal aid means business will be spared additional costs in this tough economy.
Howell said blocking the funds was a tough call, but one that Republicans believe will help business through the recession and promote job creation. Howell said, "We didn't put our finger in the wind and try to find out which way the wind was blowing."
The Republicans also said they're getting a bum rap. Though they defied Kaine on expanded unemployment, Republicans say they deserve credit for extending jobless pay an extra 13 weeks and for making it easier for those laid off by small businesses to continue their health insurance.
Democrats -- including former Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer, a car dealer whose payroll has shrunk from 311 to 235 during the downturn -- counter that Republicans are turning their backs on workers.
Beyer noted that Virginia gets kudos as a business location, "But we can't be the worst place to be an employee."
With the jobless rate creeping toward 7 percent, Virginia is spending about $24 million a week on unemployment benefits. This could emperil the fund that supports jobless pay, and -- Republicans and Democrats agree -- will lead to higher taxes on employers.
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