Federal Government

As thousands of federal workers in Virginia are locked out of their offices, lawmakers in the commonwealth are pointing fingers across the aisle.

Federal workers and contractors across Virginia are angry. Many already had to endure furloughs this summer and now the government shutdown is causing even more to lose income - and most workers report they actually want to be on the job.

Although the federal health insurance Marketplace for small businesses has been delayed until next month, employers still have some obligations that they must meet this week under the Affordable Care Act. 

That includes telling employees about the  launch of the individual Marketplace, where employees MAY find coverage options through the approved plans. 

All employers must distribute a U.S. Labor document that informs employees of the Marketplace and options. 

Republicans in Virginia are willing to risk a government shutdown in order to defund so-called Obamacare, while others say the strategy will backfire.

As Congress resumes this week after its month long break there are a lot of pressing issues facing lawmakers that have a big impact on the economy in Virginia.

A handful of Virginia lawmakers were some of the loudest voices calling for Congress to fore go its August break and get serious negotiations underway on budget issues.

U.S. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor is being heavily lobbied by two sets of constituents who are at opposite ends of a polarizing debate.

One wants him to push for a vote next month on comprehensive immigration reform, while the other wants him to be steadfast, refuse to capitulate, and push to reinforce U.S. borders.