FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) -- There's a push in Northern Virginia to increase how much money recently fired federal workers get paid while on unemployment. It comes at the same time as we could see a hike in unemployment benefits for all Virginians. The Fairfax County supervisors who sent a letter to Gov. Glenn Youngkin and democratic leaders said Virginia's unemployment payouts are behind D.C. and Maryland's, and with many federal workers now applying for those benefits, they say now is the time to take action. "The repercussions of these job losses are far-reaching," said Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay. Democrats bringing fired federal workers to Trump speech McKay and his colleague James Walkinshaw led several of their board colleagues in proposing, and sending, a letter. In it, they describe the help the workers are getting through unemployment claims as "meager." "What Virginia offers today doesn't allow families to pay their mortgage, doesn't allow families to pay their groceries, doesn't help those small businesses who rely on those federal employees and contractors as customers to stay open," Walkinshaw said. In Virginia, unemployment benefits are capped at $378/week. In Maryland, it's $430/week. In D.C., it's $444/week. Walkinshaw said what makes federal workers' claims unique is that they are reimbursed by the federal government, making now a good time to increase the amount. Cherry blossoms near peak bloom at the Tidal Basin "It costs the Commonwealth of Virginia nothing to increase the maximum unemployment benefits for these federal employees," he said. The letter outlined potential improvements. "Improvements could include dedicating a portion of the Commonwealth’s surplus to provide an additional $600 per month to those affected by these federal cuts, mirroring the supplemental benefits extended during the COVID-19 pandemic," it reads. "This benefit should extend to all Virginia residents impacted by federal cuts, including part-time, self-employed, and gig workers, and those whose place of employment is outside of Virginia." The Virginia General Assembly recently approved a measure that would have increased everyone's unemployment benefits by $100/week. The governor sent the bill back, amending it to a proposed $52/week increase. ...read more read less