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OPA News Release: [02/06/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Grants Will Aid Dislocated Connecticut Workers

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Two National Emergency Grants Totaling up to $1.2 Million to Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced two National Emergency Grants totaling up to $1.2 million to aid over 312 laid off Connecticut workers. Over $473,000 will be awarded 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 these Connecticut workers back to work.”

The grant projects deliver critical help to unemployed Connecticut citizens, underscoring one of the main goals of the President’s economic agenda. A grant of up to $655,872 will aid workers affected by lay offs from Applica Consumer Products, Inc., located in Shelton; Handy and Harman Co., located in Fairfield; Inrange Technology Corp., located in Shelton; and Pepperidge Farms, Inc., located in Norwalk.

Dislocated workers from Kaman Aerospace and Mystic Color Labs will receive up to $627,770 in aid.

The Connecticut Department of Labor will operate both grants. The programs 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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