U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $430,000 to assist workers affected by layoffs from financial services industry in Maine

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $430,417 grant to assist approximately 65 workers affected by May 2009 layoffs at two locations of the Standard Insurance Co. in Portland and South Portland, Maine.

"The economic downturn has had a disproportionate impact on the financial services industry," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's grant will help affected workers retool their skills to successfully obtain employment in new careers or in similar occupations within other industries."

Awarded to the Maine Department of Labor, this grant will be operated by Coastal Counties Workforce Inc. The grant will provide affected workers with access to the full array of dislocated worker services. These services may include skills assessment, individual career counseling and occupational skills training.

This grant will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

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/.