March 7, 20257:51 AM PST
Mass Layoffs at Federal Agency Shake West Virginia Community
PARKERSBURG, West Virginia — Jennifer Piggott once proudly displayed a campaign flag in support of the president outside her home. However, after being abruptly fired from her civil service job, her stance has completely changed.
Piggott is among over 125 employees who lost their jobs in February at the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS) in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The community, which heavily backed the president in the last election, is now grappling with the impact of these mass dismissals.
“No one I know saw this coming,” said Piggott, 47, reflecting on her decision to support the administration. “I thought some of the policies were good, but I never imagined this.”
Piggott had worked at BFS for five years and had recently been promoted. That promotion put her in a vulnerable position when the administration initiated layoffs targeting probationary federal employees—those who were recently hired or transferred into new roles.
This shift in political sentiment comes amid growing concerns in DOGE strongholds that supported the administration, as efforts to reduce government spending start affecting local economies. The administration has stated that the cuts are part of a broader effort to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve government operations. However, the layoffs, which have affected over 100,000 federal workers across the country, have sparked protests in various communities.
In Parkersburg, some former employees joined a rally criticizing the cuts. Local officials, while supporting government efficiency, have expressed concerns about the economic impact of losing high-paying jobs. Scot Heckert, a state legislator, noted that BFS employs around 2,200 people in the city, and further reductions could be devastating.
“It’s a difficult situation for a community that has already suffered from job losses in manufacturing over the years,” Heckert said. His daughter-in-law was also among those fired, and he is seeking more information before deciding his future political stance.
Economic Fallout
Parkersburg, with a population of around 29,000, has seen economic downturns in the past, including factory closures. BFS provided stable jobs in an area where the median household income is significantly below the national average. With additional layoffs expected as agencies prepare to reduce staff further, local businesses are bracing for impact.
Wayne Waldeck, co-owner of the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, said his business is already planning to cut back on seasonal hiring. Parkersburg Brewing, a popular local establishment, is also concerned, as many of its customers are BFS employees who may no longer have discretionary income to spend.
West Virginia has a high percentage of federal workers compared to most states, making these cuts particularly painful. Economists warn that further reductions in government jobs could have long-term consequences for the state’s economy.
Veterans Affected
Many veterans, who make up about 30% of the federal workforce, have been caught in the wave of layoffs. Roger Conley, a strong supporter of the administration, initially praised the job cuts as a necessary move to improve efficiency. However, after his son lost his job at BFS, he began questioning the decision-making process.
Meanwhile, Piggott and her husband, a disabled veteran, are struggling to figure out their next steps. They are considering selling their home as they face financial uncertainty with no severance pay.
Another veteran, Chauncy James, was promoted twice during his 18 months at BFS, the last time to a building maintenance role. He now worries about supporting his five children after losing his job.
“They’re cutting people without really understanding what they’re doing to families,” James said. “I voted for this administration, and I regret it now.”
As Parkersburg and other affected communities brace for further cuts, many are left wondering what the future holds for their families and local economies.
Comments