U.S. Labor Department announces release of more than $57 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Oregon

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $57,049,761 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Oregon. Oregon qualified for these funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by enacting certain UI provisions.

"Oregon previously received part of its share of UI modernization funds for helping unemployed workers with recent work experience obtain the assistance they need and deserve," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased to announce that Oregon has made additional updates to its UI program to better meet the needs of the 21st century workforce and families. The additional UI modernization provisions adopted by Oregon will help unemployed workers who had to leave their jobs for compelling family reasons or who need training to become re-employed."

The Oregon Employment Department can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its UI program or delivering employment services.

The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. Oregon's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery . Other approved applications can also be found on this site.