News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

OPA News Release: [08/15/2002]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated Minnesota Workers

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Over $2.5 Million to Supplement Re-employment Programs For Trade-Certified Workers

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a National Emergency Grant of over $2.5 million to provide training and assistance for trade-certified workers who have been approved for and will enroll in training. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

“The workers of Minnesota have persevered in the face of a changing economy. The President and I are committed to putting Minnesota workers back to work and getting them the assistance they need to succeed in careers with tremendous growth potential,” Chao said. “I hope these funds will be deployed right away to get these valuable workers back to work.”

The grant project will be operated by the Minnesota Department of Economic Security and will avoid a disruption in training for the trade-affected workers prior to the new trade adjustment assistance funds being made available through the trade appropriation for fiscal year 2003.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao. “The President and I believe training assistance for Minnesota’s displaced workers will help to further modernize the state’s economy.”

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

# # #

_________________________________________________________________