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OPA News Release: [03/10/2005]
Contact Name: Mike Volpe or Eryn Witcher
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or x4676
Release Number: 05-0343-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $18 Million in New Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment Grants

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced almost $18 million in first-time funding for systems that will provide reemployment and eligibility assessment (REA) services to unemployment insurance (UI) recipients.

“These grants will help unemployed workers find jobs through personalized assistance with work search plans and other services through One-Stop Career Centers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “This Administration remains committed to strengthening the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance system for the people who need it.”

As part of the REA project, One-Stop Career Centers will require in-person interviews of certain UI recipients to assess their continuing eligibility for benefits and need for reemployment services. The assessments include a review of UI eligibility, the provision of labor market information, development of a work-search plan, and referral to reemployment services and/or training when needed.

These grants have been awarded to 20 states and the District of Columbia . Their workforce agencies also have agreed to participate in a DOL-funded study of the initiative. Recipient states are listed below with their grant amounts.

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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