WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has initially committed up to $40 million in Disaster Dislocated Worker Grant funding to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist in disaster response efforts after Hurricane Irma. These grants were first announced on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. The amount of total funding announced today may increase as the needs and impacts on state and local partners are assessed following the hurricane.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor, in cooperation with state and local partners, is setting aside funding and will be making grants to assess workforce needs in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and other states in response to Hurricane Irma. The Department will continue to work cooperatively with states and territories to assess needs as they develop and respond accordingly. U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta has directed the Department to assist the residents and businesses in affected areas.

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the August 2017 Employment Situation report:

“This month’s jobs report reflects the continued economic strength and optimism spreading across the United States. Since January, 1.2 million jobs have been added to the economy.

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta joined U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, and other cabinet officials, in Texas to survey the affected areas, consult with state and local officials, and offer support and gratitude to first responders.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor will publish a Request for Information for the overtime rule on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. The RFI is an opportunity for the public to provide information that will aid the department in formulating a proposal to revise these regulations which define and delimit exemptions from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage and overtime requirements for certain employees.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta is inviting interested persons to submit nominations for individuals to serve on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion. The creation of the task force is a key step in implementing President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to expand apprenticeships.

DENVER –Today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta encouraged state legislators to engage in principled reforms to help American workers. In his remarks at the 44^th Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council, he discussed how occupational licensing has created excessive barriers for the American workforce.

Excerpts from his remarks are below:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the June 2017 Employment Situation report:

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has sent a Request for Information related to the overtime rule to the Office of Management and Budget for its review. When published, the RFI offers the opportunity for the public to comment.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today welcomed President Donald J. Trump’s bold step towards fulfilling his promises to grow the American economy with the announcement of an executive order to expand apprenticeships and vocational training, close the skills gap and reduce regulatory burdens on workforce development programs.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced the withdrawal of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2015 and 2016 informal guidance on joint employment and independent contractors.  Removal of the administrator interpretations does not change the legal responsibilities of employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, as reflected in the department’s long-standing regulations and case law.

WASHINGTON – After a thorough review of the U.S. Department of Labor’s foreign worker visa programs, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced actions to increase protections of American workers while more aggressively confronting entities committing visa program fraud and abuse.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta issued the following statement on the May 2017 Employment Situation report:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today released the following statement on President Trump’s announcement on the Paris climate accord:

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today announced that Wayne Palmer will serve as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary. An executive with expertise in management, policy and communications, Palmer has extensive experience in Congress, in the executive branch, and in the private sector.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today released the fiscal year 2018 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor. It supports President Donald J.

WASHINGTON – Fiduciary rule guidance for financial advisors, retirement plan sponsors, and individual workers and retirees has been published on the U.S. Labor Department’s website. This information comes in advance of the rule’s June 9 applicability date.

Read Frequently Asked Questions.

BAD NEUENAHR, Germany – Speaking at the G-20 Labor and Employment Ministers' Meeting today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta emphasized his support for fostering the growth of apprenticeships, a major priority for President Trump and the Department of Labor.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor invites news organizations that wish to participate in press lock-ups to renew or request credentials. The new credentials will be valid beginning in August 2017.

BAD NEUENAHR, Germany – U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta delivered the following remarks at an opening session of the G20 Labor and Employment Ministers’ Meeting on women succeeding in the 21st century economy:

“Thank you for this opportunity to speak about women succeeding in the 21st century economy.