US Labor Department announces release of more than $13 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Montana

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $13,017,176 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Montana. The state qualified for the remaining two-thirds of its share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by adding provisions that allow part-time workers and individuals who are upgrading skills to receive unemployment compensation.

"Montana already had shown its commitment to workers by enacting legislation that provides unemployment compensation to recent entrants to the workforce who lose their jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The state now has updated its law further to make it easier for individuals seeking part-time work – and those who are upgrading their skills – to be eligible for benefits. This is a solid step forward and essential to ensuring more workers get the support they need and deserve."

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.

"Unemployed Montanans need our help to weather the storm until the economy stabilizes," said Sen. Max Baucus. "I was proud to be a leader on sensible legislation that ensures folks who might not otherwise be eligible to receive help can continue to pay their rent and feed their families. I'm committed to finding solutions that will pull us out of this economic downturn and get more good paying jobs so Montanans can get back to work."

The Recovery Act made a total of $7 billion available in UI modernization incentive payments to states that include certain eligibility provisions in their UI programs. Each state can qualify for a share of those funds by showing that its law includes those provisions. Montana's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/. Other approved applications can also be found on this site.