US Labor Department announces release of $85 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Colorado

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified the release of $84,979,841 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Colorado. The state qualified for the remaining two-thirds of its share of funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by making it easier for unemployed workers seeking part-time work and those unemployed for compelling family reasons to be eligible for benefits.

"Colorado is among several states that already have received part of their share of UI modernization funds by updating legislation to help unemployed workers with recent work experience obtain the assistance they need and deserve," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased that workers who become unemployed for compelling family reasons, and those who are seeking part-time work, are now eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Colorado. The state has made changes to unemployment insurance law that are good for workers and will contribute to Colorado's ongoing economic recovery."

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, to administer its unemployment insurance program or deliver employment services.

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. Colorado'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.