U.S. Department of Labor issues policy and planning guidance for employment and training programs under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today issued policy guidance to states and outlying areas for the implementation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) investments in core employment and training programs. This critical investment of $3,514,500,000 in the nation's workforce system and network of One-Stop Career Centers is intended to help unemployed Americans upgrade their skills and get back to work.

"One-Stop Career Centers have a wide array of services and resources to help workers and youth who are unemployed or underemployed," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Through the One-Stops, the workforce system will play a vital role in America's economic recovery by assisting workers who are facing unprecedented challenges to retool their skills and re-establish themselves in viable career paths."

The training and employment guidance letter distributed today provides policy and direction regarding activities authorized under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Wagner Peyser Act, as funded through ARRA. The letter also provides specific instructions to states on how they can use funding under the Recovery Act to serve adults, dislocated workers and youth, and provide labor exchange services to all who need them. The workforce investment system will use Recovery Act funds to increase service levels, address immediate employment needs and spur future economic growth to advance shared prosperity for all Americans.

More information on the Department of Labor's implementation of ARRA may be found at www.doleta.gov and www.dol.gov/Recovery. Questions regarding Recovery Act funding can be e-mailed to eta.economicrecovery@dol.gov.

To find a local One-Stop Career Center or to access online resources to support job searches, career information and information on education and training resources, visit http://www.careeronestop.org or call the Department's toll-free helpline at 877-872-5627 and TTY 877-889-5627.