This morning, I write to update you on how we are responding to the attacks on Arlington's federal employees and to share with you a special event this coming Sunday, February 23rd from 1:30 to 3:00 pm to raise the resources to serve you over the months and years to come.
On Friday, February 7th, crews removed the sign for the US Agency for International Development.
Arlington has approximately 30,000 residents who work for the Federal government, so chances are you, someone in your immediate family, or your neighbor works for the Federal government. This Administration's attack on that livelihood is a very real threat to Arlington. I am working with Board Chair Takis Karantonis, Board colleagues, and County staff to respond with urgency under circumstances that are, unfortunately, only partially under our control.
The layoffs are being challenged in the Courts, but the immediate challenge is real for so many. At USAID, the Courts have tried to halt the layoffs, but the impact to employees here in Arlington and overseas is real and devastating. Exactly how many staff will ultimately lose their jobs is unclear. Congressional funds that have been appropriated should, under a reasonable reading of the Constitution, be spent.
The Administration is arguing unchecked power of the Presidency, and we cannot be sure where the Courts will land, either to protect Federal employees or to contravene my reading of the separation of powers. What we do know is that even if some of the Administration's actions are stopped in the short term, this Congress over the next year is likely to cut funding, and therefore some federal employees.
Other federal employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Education, the IRS, and Probationary employees (those with under two years' experience), among other agencies, have also lost their jobs or are likely to lose their jobs over the coming weeks. For each agency, the fight to protect public servants may take a different approach. Federal unions and Courts are engaging to slow and, in some cases, pause the layoffs. Exactly what will happen in each case is unclear.
Arlington County is ramping up resources for those who have been laid off and partnering with our Federal allies and our state-level allies in Richmond to respond in the short-term and prepare for the longer-term impacts, which are evolving. The article above discusses Speaker Don Scott's Commission on Federal layoffs. Chair Takis Karantonis has engaged with the Arlington Delegation in Richmond on the Commission and with the Northern Virginia region.
Speaker Scott's Commission is a good idea, but not enough for Arlington, so we are doing more. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission and a group called the Mayors and Chairs, along with all the levers of Arlington County Government, are doing what we can. That means hiring Federal employees Schwartz: Arlington happy to hire displaced, disaffected federal workers | ARLnow.com through this portal: Search Jobs - Arlington County VA Careers. Arlington Economic Development is providing resources for Federal workers looking for new work or to start a business. Neither of these steps on their own is enough, but I want to share with you some of the work we have started.
There is much more work to come on this. I take my responsibility to do all I can and to treat it with the seriousness that it deserves. We must be honest that we cannot control all of the Administration's actions and that the economic impacts for families will be deeply painful. We also must fight for each Arlington resident at risk, join legal action wherever appropriate, and work relentlessly to respond on behalf of our community and our shared commitment to public service.
We must continue to work in support of our community. This Sunday February 23rd, I am holding a fundraiser to raise the resources I need to continue my work. At this event I will discuss the work we are doing on immigration and to support Federal employees, as well as my other priorities for the coming year.
The event will be from 1:30 to 3:00 pm in Ballston. If you contribute using this link, we will email you the exact location. Matt de Ferranti — Donate via ActBlue Ticket prices range from $50 for guests to $100 for friends/supporters, to higher levels to co-host or host, and to lower levels for Arlington Young Democrats and current federal employees. If you cannot make the event, I would be very grateful if you would use the above link to contribute to support the work.
