US Department of Labor announces more than $919,000 in continued funding to aid Minnesota workers impacted by layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $919,588 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to continue to provide services to about 1,373 workers affected by layoffs in the manufacturing and retail industries in southeastern Minnesota.

"Many Minnesotans who were laid off from manufacturing and retail jobs need continued access to training and employment services. We at the U.S. Department of Labor are committed to ensuring they can access those services and get back into jobs that pay family-supporting wages," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

The supplemental funding announced today will be awarded to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Funds will be used to continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to 1,109 workers covered by the initial award, and will provide services to an additional 264 individuals, serving 1,373 workers in total.

On June 10, 2009, a grant was awarded in the amount of $4,768,700, with $1,322,649 released initially, to assist workers affected by layoffs from multiple companies in the manufacturing and retail industries in southeastern Minnesota. On Aug. 25, 2009, the remaining $3,446,051 was awarded to the state to continue providing services to the affected workers.

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/.