Government News
Department of Labor to Help Michigan autoworkers
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a $6.6 million grant, with an initial
release of $2,475,000, to the state of Michigan to help workers affected by statewide
closures and layoffs in the automotive industry. This release follows another recent
Labor Department grant of more than $16 million in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
funds to help Michigan workers affected by trade.
"This $6.6 million grant is to assist Michigan auto workers affected by industry
downsizing by providing re-employment services that will help them find new jobs,"
said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.
Today's grant, awarded to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, will
provide workers with re-employment assistance that includes training, assessment,
counseling and case management. Affected workers who have been certified as eligible
for TAA also may receive up to two years of income support, a health coverage tax
credit, and help with job search and relocation expenses.
Additionally, Michigan autoworkers may qualify for a $1.5 million Career Advancement
Account demonstration project that the state is currently operating. Three Michigan
regions also have won and are running multi-year, multi-million dollar Workforce
Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) projects. These Labor Department
investments span the state from western and mid-Michigan to the greater Detroit
area, and are seeking to return the state to prominence as a 21st century hub of
global innovation.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund
and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more
information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20080773.htm
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