US Department of Labor announces supplemental grant funding to continue serving Wisconsin workers affected by manufacturing sector layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,166,729 National Emergency Grant supplemental award to provide services to about 1,350 workers affected by layoffs and plant closures occurring within the manufacturing sector in northeastern Wisconsin.

"Access to training and job search services is crucial to manufacturing workers who are laid off in today's challenging labor market," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased that the Labor Department is able to continue to provide this assistance to Wisconsin workers who need and deserve it."

These supplemental funds, awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, will continue the delivery of re-employment assistance to workers included in the initial award, as well as provide services to additional workers who were laid off after the initial award was made.

An initial award of $3,421,645 was approved on Aug. 5, 2009, to serve workers from 11 manufacturing companies. Some of those workers are also certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance. Today, that award is being expanded to serve workers laid off from a total of 16 manufacturing companies. The additional workers include 400 recently laid off by Kohler, a supplier of commercial and residential plumbing fixtures in Kohler, Wis.

This National Emergency Grant provides the TAA-certified workers with access to "wrap-around" and supportive services not available through the TAA program, such as dependent care and transportation assistance. The covered workers who are not TAA-certified will have access to the full array of employment-related services allowable under this type of grant.

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/.