U.S. Department of Labor announces $271,000 grant to assist Ohio workers affected by natural resource industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $271,075 grant to assist approximately 75 workers affected by the closure of GE Lighting located in Willoughby, Ohio.

"This grant will allow affected Ohio workers to gain access to the services they need to help prepare them for new jobs in high-demand industries in the region, such as health care," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These workers have expressed an interest in long-term training, among other employment-related services."

Today's grant will be awarded to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and operated by the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services. All affected workers will be given access to the full array of dislocated worker services, which may include skills assessment, individual counseling, education and occupational skills training.

On Aug. 25, 2008, GE Lighting announced the closure of the Willoughby plant. Between Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 2008, a majority of the workers were laid off. The remaining workers will be laid off when the plant closes in September 2009.

Resources for this National Emergency Grant are from the secretary of labor's discretionary fund under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

National Emergency Grants are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG/.