US Department of Labor announces grant increment to continue assisting Florida workers affected by mortgage industry layoffs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $707,096 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide services to about 600 workers affected by the closure of the Taylor, Bean and Whitaker Mortgage Corp. and its subsidiary companies.

"As with all other members of the nation's workforce who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, it is important that impacted mortgage industry workers in Florida get our support," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Ensuring these workers can access the training and employment services needed to enter new jobs in promising industries is the right thing to do for them, their families and our economy as a whole."

On Jan. 13, a grant was awarded in the amount of $1,661,173, with $954,077 released initially, to serve these workers in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties. This second and final increment announced today, like the first, is being award to the Citrus Levy Marion Regional Workforce Development Board Inc.

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.