VGEA is the Voice for Virginia State Employees
The VGEA:
· Represents the interests of public employees in matters relevant to health care, retirement benefits, competitive salaries and appropriate protective insurance, as well as other issues of concern to members;
· Facilitates communication among public employees in the Commonwealth of Virginia;
· Serves as an information and referral source for the membership;
· Provides a forum for
the discussion of ideas and issues;
· Serves as advisors to administrators of agencies of the Commonwealth when appropriate;
· Promotes high quality work performance and professionalism by all public employees to provide effective and efficient programs and services to citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Operating as usual
The Virginia Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) released a report on September 30, 2022, that takes a look at telework numbers pre-COVID, during COVID, and present day.
The VGEA took a look at the data. Learn what we found.
Read the report analysis from the VGEA at https://vgea.org/news.
Hi Virginia employees and retirees!
If you didn’t get a chance to read the VGEA newsletter when we mailed it to VGEA members this summer, you can read it now at vgea.org/newsletter. Included for you:
- Is it safe to be a member of the VGEA?
- What are the results of the VGEA state employee/retiree polls?
- Are Virginia state employees getting a bonus in December?
- Who is the Secretary of Administration, and why does it matter?
If you’ve got questions or thoughts for us after reading ForeSight, let us know in the comments, email us at [email protected], or reach out at vgea.org/contact.
Stronger with you!
Missed the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting? Attended but want to listen again? We recorded it all for you.
Learn what VGEA accomplished for Virginia’s employees and retirees this year and what's coming up in 2023—all guided by feedback from active VGEA members!
Watch at vgea.org/youtube:
- Introductions – President, Cynthia Brittain
- Communications – Consultant & Strategist, Liz B. Baker
- Legislative Update – Attorney and Lobbyist, Dylan Bishop
- Q&A Sessions 1 and 2 – VGEA team
- Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Sessions 1 & 2 – VRS
- Recognition of Lynwood Butner – Membership Development & Lobbyist, Rick Fowler
If you've got questions for the VGEA team after watching, reach out at [email protected] or vgea.org/contact.
Happy Friday, Virginia! Our friends at the VRS let us know that the latest VRS Member News is out! It's the quarterly newsletter for active VRS members. It's filled with info to make you smarter and make your life easier and more secure.
It'll help you assess your financial goals/keep you on track, beef up your online account security, and give you the tips, tools, and education you need to fully take advantage of your retirement benefits.
Read it now >> https://bit.ly/3C4SNIp
P.S. You can get more tips when you follow the VRS on Facebook: Virginia Retirement System
Q: What was your biggest takeaway?
That's one of the questions we asked attendees of the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting (Sep. 10) in our post-event survey.
The survey closed yesterday, and we're already taking a look to see what we did well and where we can improve now and at next year's meeting.
We wanted to share some of the responses with you (because they're awesome!).
P.S. Plan WAY ahead! You can preregister for next year's annual meeting at vgea.org/events. We'll send you all of the details next summer + confirm that you can still attend. Hope to see you!
It’s a wrap! Thanks to everyone who came out to the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting!
We met face-to-face at the beautiful Richmond Marriott Short Pump on Saturday to connect and learn more about what the VGEA has been doing to advocate for Virginia’s employees and retirees this year and the plans we have for 2023. We also–
-Met the new VGEA president, Cynthia Brittain
-Introduced the VGEA board, including new board members, and discovered more about the breadth and depth of their expertise
-Learned about the winners of our four VGEA scholarships
-Led Q&A sessions to ask attendees for feedback to find out where we can help more
-Welcomed the VRS as they led information sessions
-Recognized the contributions of retired VGEA lobbyist, Lynwood Butner
-Bestowed some of our guests with gifts from our drawing
-Gave all guests a VGEA blanket just in time for fall
-And more!
If you couldn’t attend, know that you were missed. We’ll post the event online for you soon, and we’ll let you know when it’s available.
You can also preregister now at vgea.org/events for the 2023 Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and we’ll email you next summer with all of the details and to confirm your registration.
Stronger with you!
Photos from Governor of Virginia's post
What question(s) do YOU have for the VGEA?
During the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting this Saturday, we'll have a time of Q&A—a time where attendees can ask the VGEA anything that's on their mind.
For those who can't attend, we'd still love to know: What would you ask? Let us know here in the comments or fill out the form (which you can submit anonymously): www.vgea.org/contact
"Monday's holiday holds a much deeper meaning, rooted in the 19th-century fight for fair working conditions.” -Zoe Sottile
Honoring, supporting, and advocating for Virginia’s state workers and retirees is at the heart of what we do. If something impacts the health and well-being of Virginia’s active workforce or retirees, we care about it.
Today, we honor all workers, present and past, as well as those who work for Virginia and those who work in Virginia.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to those who went before us who cared for workers. We celebrate them, and we celebrate you. We hope you’re having a great Labor Day!
It's the last day of August, and that means that the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting is just 10 days away!
It also means that there's only one day left to register. Registration closes on Thursday, September 1, at 3 p.m.
Register and get event details including maps, menus, and more at vgea.org/events/annual-meeting-2022.
Breakfast and lunch are included, and this event is free for VGEA members and and guests. Though we have seats left, space remains limited.
If you need any help registering or have questions, we're here for you at 877-302-7146 or [email protected]!
Looking forward to seeing you on the 10th!
We can't wait to see you at the 2022 VGEA Annual Meeting on September 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Richmond Marriott Short Pump!
Coming to Richmond for the night? Reserve a room today at a discounted rate of $96! Just call the Richmond Marriott Short Pump at (804) 965-9500 by 5 p.m., and let them know you’ll be attending the VGEA Annual Meeting on September 10.
If you miss that opportunity, you may also be able to secure a reduced rate at Richmond-area hotels using your Virginia state employee discount. Visit dhrm.virginia.gov/employeediscounts for more information.
Get all of the event details including maps, menus, and more and RSVP by Sep. 1 at vgea.org/events/annual-meeting-2022.
Breakfast and lunch are included, and this event is no cost for VGEA members & and guests. Space is limited, so make plans to attend, and reserve your spot. If you need any help registering or have questions, we're here for you at 877-302-7146 or [email protected].
It was great to see Governor Youngkin and Lt. Governor Sears at the VGEA table yesterday along with hundreds of state employees during the Administration’s state employee appreciation event.
Our esteemed Executive Director, Marshall Terry, was there to say hi along with our favorite VGEA Membership Development & Lobbyist, Rick Fowler.
Thanks again to the Administration for hosting this event to recognize and celebrate Virginia's employees.
Hey Virginia Employees and Retirees (and Virginia residents!)
We're always trying to find ways to help you keep more of your money, so we wanted to let you know...
This weekend is Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday.
The 3-day event starts this Friday, August 5, at 12:01 a.m. and ends on Sunday, August 7, at 11:59 p.m. and applies to qualifying purchases you make in stores and online.
Buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax (a savings of 5.3-7%!)
Get full details at https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday.
See you this afternoon from 3-5 p.m. on Bank Street! The VGEA will be there celebrating you—Virginia's state employees! Stop by and say hi, grab a water bottle, and let us say thank you for everything you do to make Virginia an amazing place to live and work.
Thanks to the Youngkin Administration for hosting this event.
This Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 5 p.m., Governor of Virginia will host a state employee appreciation event on Bank St. with food trucks, music and community and state organizations. Bring your state employee ID to get a ticket to use for 1 food item at any of the food trucks, while supplies last! We can’t wait to see you there!
Two important VGEA surveys will close on Tuesday, July 26, at 11:59 p.m. ET >>>
So far, nearly 1,000 employees have responded to our telework survey, and over 700 VGEA members have shared their opinions on our legislative priority survey!
Those are fantastic numbers, and all of those voices will make a difference, but we still want to make sure we hear from as many people as possible.
If you’ve already participated, thanks! If you haven’t, don't let your opinions go unheard. And if you know an employee or retiree who may not be familiar with the VGEA, let them know!
Take the surveys now at vgea.org!
Link to the full article and take the survey at vgea.org/news.
“The Virginia Governmental Employees Association (VGEA) collected responses from 708 members within the last week and the survey remains open (vgea.org/telework).
'What we’re seeing based on the data that is trickling out is, unfortunately, we were correct. This revised telework agreement is making state employment less appealing and it’s only going to exacerbate our already existing recruitment and retention issue,' Bishop said."
Hey Virginia State Employees & Retirees!
We've created two short surveys. Each takes as little as 2 minutes!
>> Telework Survey #2 (open to ALL state employees)
>> Legislative Priorities Survey for 2023 (VGEA members)
Share these surveys with coworkers and retirees who may be unfamiliar with the VGEA so that we can hear from as many Virginia state employees and retirees as possible!
Get details and fill out the surveys at vgea.org!
Thanks!
Questions? Reach out in the comments, via email at [email protected], or contact us online at vgea.org/contact.
Hey Virginia State Employees & Retirees!
We've created two short surveys. Each takes as little as 2 minutes!
>> Telework Survey #2 (open to ALL state employees)
>> Legislative Priorities Survey for 2023 (VGEA members)
Share these surveys with coworkers and retirees who may be unfamiliar with the VGEA so that we can hear from as many Virginia state employees and retirees as possible!
Get details and fill out the surveys at vgea.org!
Thanks!
Questions? Reach out in the comments, via email at [email protected], or contact us online at vgea.org/contact.
"State employees were due back in their offices Tuesday under a new telework policy that is still evolving under Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
How many returned and how many were working remotely under new telework agreements remained a mystery as of Tuesday evening, as the new administration struggles to carry out a policy that initially gave state employees two weeks to request permission to work outside of their offices.
'I think they underestimated the number of employees who have some sort of telework or remote work agreement in place,' said Dylan Bishop, lobbyist for the Virginia Governmental Employees Association."
Read the full article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and let us know how it's going for you and your agency in the comments or at [email protected].
State employees were due back in their offices Tuesday under a new telework policy that is still evolving under Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Happy 4th of July to all of you from the VGEA team! Wherever you are — whether it’s enjoying a BBQ, catching some fireworks, or having a day off from work — we hope you enjoy the day. And if you’re working today, thanks so much for all you’re doing to give us this day to celebrate the U.S.A.!
From the Richmond Times-Dispatch >>
"...the heart of the budget — along with tax cuts — is increased spending on compensation for public employees, as well as those who provide care for elderly, poor and disabled Virginians under the state’s Medicaid safety net."
https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/every-little-bit-counts-new-va-budget-brings-tax-cuts-pay-raises/article_ab856854-a601-5c63-ac75-4c871134b89c.html
The spending plan also includes big investments in human services and for work on Interstate 64.
So, what's your story?
Virginia state employees and retirees join the VGEA for many reasons like advice, action, news, and advocacy, and we’d love to hear your reasons for joining.
How long have you been a member? Why did you join? How has the VGEA helped you? How do you hope the VGEA will help you in the future?
Let us know in the comments or at vgea.org/story.
Welcome to the VGEA! We're growing, and that's really great news for Virginia's state employees and retirees.
The VGEA advocates on behalf of our members for better pay, better benefits, telework, workplace protections, a strong and healthy retirement system, and more!
And as we grow, our voice grows.
So, welcome to our new members, and thanks to those of you have partnered with us for years. Please know that we're glad to be working with you and for you.
Last week at the Virginia State Capitol, the VGEA shared the results of our telework survey with the Youngkin Administration and asked the administration the following:
- Delay the implementation of the telework policy to September 12, 2022.
- Reconsider the blanket nature of the telework policy in favor of returning to a policy that considers the complexities and nuances of all state jobs and trusts the administration of the policy to the individual agencies.
- As advocates for state employees, allow the VGEA to provide consultation on teleworking – and this telework policy in particular – to help support and retain our valuable state employees while attracting excellent talent both now and in the future.
Read the full article at https://vgea.org/vgea-shared-survey-results.
It’s official! Tuesday afternoon, Governor Youngkin gathered with hundreds of supporters, press, and witnesses, including our VGEA lobbyist, Dylan D. Bishop, for the ceremonial signing of the Virginia budget. Officially signed into law, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024.
When the General Assembly originally approved and presented its proposed biennial budget on June 1, the VGEA highlighted some of the benefits to state employees. Now fully approved, these benefits move from proposal to reality.
The final budget brings even more benefits to some Virginia employees as the House and Senate unanimously adopted additional amendments that the Youngkin Administration requested.
Read the full article and get the highlights at vgea.org/virginia-budget-official.
It’s official! Tuesday afternoon, Governor Youngkin gathered with hundreds of supporters, press, and witnesses, including our VGEA lobbyist, Dylan D. Bishop, for the ceremonial signing of the Virginia budget. Officially signed into law, the 2023-2024 biennial budget becomes effective on July 1 and will remain in effect through June 30, 2024.
When the General Assembly originally approved and presented its proposed biennial budget on June 1, the VGEA highlighted some of the benefits to state employees. Now fully approved, these benefits move from proposal to reality.
The final budget brings even more benefits to some Virginia employees as the House and Senate unanimously adopted additional amendments that the Youngkin Administration requested.
Read the full article and get the highlights at vgea.org/virginia-budget-official.
"Press Secretary Macaulay Porter confirmed on Thursday that 'the governor’s office has now received the budget' and that he would propose changes 'within the seven-day constitutional limit.'
That sets up a likely showdown with the General Assembly at the end of (this) week, with the earliest date for the legislature to reconvene in a special session on Friday, June 17."
Read the full article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch:
https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/budget-reaches-youngkin-as-7-day-clock-starts-ticking-for-changes/article_328a5d5f-44b8-5572-900b-3cece1bc89f6.html
Last week at the Virginia State Capitol, the VGEA shared the results of our telework survey with the Youngkin Administration and asked the administration the following:
- Delay the implementation of the telework policy to September 12, 2022.
- Reconsider the blanket nature of the telework policy in favor of returning to a policy that considers the complexities and nuances of all state jobs and trusts the administration of the policy to the individual agencies.
- As advocates for state employees, allow the VGEA to provide consultation on teleworking – and this telework policy in particular – to help support and retain our valuable state employees while attracting excellent talent both now and in the future.
Read the full article at https://vgea.org/vgea-shared-survey-results.
(Telework Survey Update >>> Read the full article for a one sheet sum up of the VGEA Telework Survey.)
“RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A new survey shows some state employees have significant concerns with Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s new policy limiting telework, with one unnamed respondent describing it as ‘chaos.’
It comes as the Virginia Government Employees Association is asking the administration to delay implementation to Sept. 12, 2022, giving employees more time to address childcare and commuting needs. The group is also asking Youngkin to reconsider the “blanket nature” of the policy in favor of a nuanced approach that gives individual agencies more decision-making power.”
A new survey shows some state employees have significant concerns with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s new policy limiting telework.
Richmond, VA
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