US Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $1.7 million to continue to aid Wisconsinites impacted by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $1,753,905 National Emergency Grant increment to the state of Wisconsin to continue to provide services to about 1,334 workers affected by layoffs at multiple companies, particularly in the manufacturing industry.

"This grant will continue to provide these Wisconsinites with the re-employment and retraining services that will help them succeed in today's economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Helping workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own is simply the right thing to do."

This second and final increment is being awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. On Aug. 5, 2009, a grant was awarded in the amount of $3,421,645, with $1,667,740 released initially, to serve about 1,227 affected by multiple layoffs and plant closures in northeastern Wisconsin. The grant was later modified to serve 1,334 workers in total.

This increment is being 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/.