US Department of Labor awards grant to assist workers laid off by public agencies in Washington state

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,549,275 National Emergency Grant to provide re-employment assistance to approximately 520 workers affected by layoffs at the Washington State Department of Corrections, the Washington State Employment Security Department, the Washington State Liquor Control Board, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, and eight other Washington state and local government agencies.

"Workers who served the state of Washington and their local communities are now faced with the challenge of finding re-employment, said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. The federal grant announced today will help these workers prepare for jobs in growing local industries."

Awarded to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the funds will be used for training and support services designed to help the workers find new employment.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit http://www.doleta.gov/NEG/.