Constituent Services

Resources for Those Impacted by DOGE

Additional Resources for Federal Employees Facing Unemployment

NOVA New Employment, Exploration and Transition (NOVAnext), is a new program to help recently unemployed federal workers and federal contractors transition to their next careers. The first in the region to provide new, dedicated training funds for unemployed federal workers and federal contractors, NOVA is committing up to $1 million in scholarship aid to allow approved participants to enroll in one of 14 courses at no charge and access NOVA-sponsored online workshops on resume-writing and job search techniques. Many classes prepare students for industry-recognized certifications in specific IT specialties, program management and human resources. To be eligible, federal workers and federal contract workers must have been laid off on or after February 1, 2025, reside within the NOVA service area, meet a residency requirement and fill out an online application, which will be reviewed by Virginia Career Works. For more  information, visit https://www.nvcc.edu/novanext/

If you are a government employee with information related to the politicization of the federal workforce, the firing of civil servants, or waste, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer dollars, you may reach out anonymously to the Democrats on the U.S. House Oversight Committee.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has resources regarding employment discrimination for federal employees that can be accessed here.

Employment rights under federal law (U.S. Office of Special Counsel) here 

Reasonable accommodation to qualified employees with disabilities 

Whistleblower protections and accompanying resources, click here

​To understand prohibited personnel practices including the right to appeal, visit here

American Federation of Government Employees’ Flyer re the OPM Deferred Resignation Program

Addiction and Recovery Council

Addiction is a life threatening problem for too many Virginians. Please reach out if you need help for yourself or a loved one. As a member of the Addiction and Recovery Council, we work together to ensure that people have the resources they need to identify and get help for addiction recovery. Early detection and treatment are key to recovery – support is a phone call away. For additional information, please call the Substance Use Disorder Prevention program case manager at 703-866-2121.

The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline is a critical first step for any support seeker looking to begin their recovery journey. Callers are connected with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)—typically within a few hours—who will assess their needs and connect them with tailored treatment services.Do you or someone you know need support for problem gambling? Call the 24/7 Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline at 888-532-3500 or complete the VPGH referral form to begin your recovery journey.

Reach Out for Mental Health Support

 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available nationwide. You can also find support for yourself and family members by reaching out to NAMI or Mental Health America. Learn more about suicide prevention by reading this SAMHSA blog article, “No Judgment. Just Help: What You Can Do to Support Suicide Prevention Month Efforts.”

  • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • National Drug Helpline: 1-844-289-0879
  • National Institute of Mental Health Information Resource Center: 1-866-615-6464
  • Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: 1-855-378-4373

Unemployment Assistance and Resources for Job Searchers

To process claims with the VEC use this website: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/

For those eligible for benefits, the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) requires that people receiving unemployment benefits show proof of job searches each week. I encourage you to seek support for finding a job from Virginia Career Works. They help identify training programs, job opportunities, and help with resumes, emails, and interviewing skills. Virginia has Jobs is a Virginia Works initiative. The site includes suggestions for federal workers seeking to rewrite their resumes for the private sector, plus region-by-region links to major employers’ corporate career pages and links to region-specific job searches on Indeed and LinkedIn. 

If you are not able to resolve your issue with the Virginia Employment by utilizing their new website, please reach out to Senator Boysko by filling out this form.

Help Paying Bills

If you are struggling to pay bills, please visit Virginia’s CommonHelp website to figure out if you qualify for assistance.  Please reach out to your county – your local government will review your financial situation and connect you with resources.

In Fairfax County, contact Coordinated Services Planning. Additional resources for food are here. If you have lost your health insurance, please visit coverva.gov to determine your eligibility for Medicaid or for help with Affordable Care Act insurance.

SNAP Recipients qualify for Metro Lift, a 50 percent discount for any travel on Metrorail and Metrobus. Customers in DC, Maryland and Virginia who qualify for the US Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligible to enroll. Sign up here. Learn more about reduced fares for seniors 65 and over and those with disabilities here.

Know Your Rights – Resources for Immigrants

In today’s climate, it’s crucial for community members to understand your rights and be prepared for potential encounters with immigration enforcement officials. Whether you’re a citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented individual, knowing your rights can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and your family.

I will continue to work to ensure that our communities are welcoming, diverse and provide opportunities for all people to live with dignity and safety. Working together, we can build good lives for our families and our communities. The news of deportations is distressing and demoralizing. We can prepare. 

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes:

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

You have the right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history. Respectfully say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

Please share this information from the ACLU, available in multiple languages: “Know Your Rights.”  We are also working with the Legal Aid Justice Center which has asked that we share their Rapid Response Toolkit

Additional Resources for immigrants:

Please stay in touch:

To contact us, please email SenatorBoysko@senate.virginia.gov or call 703-437-0086. My Senate team includes Chief of Staff Karen Harrison, Director of Constituent Services Kathy Shupe and Aides Juliet Morro and Aditi Goel. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on X,