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OPA News Release: [01/04/2002]
Emergency Grant To Oregon Will Aid
Workers After Plant Closure
Almost $1 Million Will Supplement
Re-training And Re-employment Programs
WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced
a National Emergency Grant of almost $1 million that will provide
transition-related assistance to over 200 workers laid off after the closure of
Epson Portland, Inc., in Hillsboro.
"This money will enable Oregon to expand job and skills training
programs in order to provide the help that American workers deserve,” Chao
said. “National Emergency Grants reflect the administration’s
commitment to every American and its goal to protect laid off worker.”
Epson Portland, Inc. attributes the closure to a production shift in the
company’s manufacturing activities. Rapid response services, which include
English as a second language, have been provided for workers by Worksystems,
Inc. the local workforce investment board.
The grant project will be operated by the Worksystems, Inc., in Portland
and the state of Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce
Development will be the grantee. The money will supplement existing
re-employment programs, including: career counseling and planning, job search,
placement assistance and supportive services such as transportation and
childcare.
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary
fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant
guidelines have been met. Additional funds for National Emergency Grants
constitute a major part of President Bush’s economic stimulus package. If
passed by the Senate, the president’s package will assist economy recovery
by providing increased assistance to dislocated workers, including assistance
with continuing private health insurance coverage.
For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and
re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.
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