People getting laid off in the religion industry don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, at least not in Virginia.
RICHMOND, Va., May 18 (UPI) — Some people recently laid-off from religious institutions in Virginia said they were shocked to find the state does not offer them unemployment benefits.
Carol Bronson, who was laid off from her secretarial job at Temple Emanuel synagogue in Virginia Beach, said she was told her unemployment claim was denied because the tax exemptions for religious organizations under Virginia law include an exemption from paying unemployment taxes, The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot reported Monday.
“I had no idea that there would not be any benefits for me after leaving my job,” she said.
I know an easy fix. In the words of the great Frank Zappa, “Tax the fuck out of the churches!” Then, these unfortunate people getting laid-off will have the same benefits anyone would have.
