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OPA News Release: [06/30/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Administration Continues Commitment to Aid Pennsylvania Workers
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Up To $21.2 Million
Grant To Sustain State's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $21.2 million that will continue assistance to approximately 7,883 workers certified eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
This grant is the most recent step in a series of actions the Department of Labor has taken to help sustain Pennsylvania's Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The state lacked sufficient funds to continue or initiate transition services for trade certified workers eligible to enroll for TAA
and NAFTA/TAA training as of March 24, 2003. This new money is in addition to the state's $29.6 million in Trade Act Funds (FY2003) and $14.5 million in National Emergency Grant funds that were dispatched to the state earlier this year when it became obvious trade certified workers were going to be
personally impacted by the state's lack of funds.
This $21.2 million dollar National Emergency Grant brings the total funds directed to Pennsylvania for trade certified workers to over $60 million. These funds will be used to keep the program running through the end of the year.
"The Department of Labor has worked diligently with Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation and the state of Pennsylvania to address concerns about management of the state's Trade Adjustment Assistance funds. The President and I are committed to helping displaced workers access the job and
skills training they need to find new jobs that will enable them to provide for themselves and their families, and we do not want the state's problems to make matters worse for the workers," Chao said. "We hope these funds will be deployed as quickly as possible to help these Pennsylvania workers
and sustain the state's program."
National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary's discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state or local workforce investment board submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.
"Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration," said Chao.
For more information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.
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