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OPA News Release: [11/14/2002]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grant Will Aid Dislocated Connecticut Workers

Chao Announces National Emergency Grant of Up To $1.7 Million To Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $1.7 million that will aid 640 workers laid off from Ames Department Store, Inc., facilities located in Connecticut. $563,400 will be provided immediately. 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.

“The President and I are committed to getting Connecticut’s displaced workers the job and skills training they need to find re-employment,” Chao said. “I hope these funds will be deployed right away to get Connecticut workers back to work.”

The grant project will be operated by the Capitol Region Workforce Development Board, and will supplement existing re-employment programs including: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao. “The President and I believe temporary assistance for displaced workers will help the economy grow quickly and create more desirable and secure jobs.”

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

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