US Labor Department announces release of $9.28 million in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to Vermont

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has released $9,278,599 in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to the state of Vermont. Vermont qualified for its remaining share of funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by including in its law provisions that assist part-time workers and people who are upgrading their skills.

"These federal incentives help to strengthen the state unemployment insurance systems as our economy continues to recover. Vermont has made important updates to do just that and is better meeting the needs of today's workers as a result," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These common-sense improvements are helping America's working families, strengthening our communities and building a stronger 21st century workforce."

The Vermont Department of Labor can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering 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. Vermont's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration website at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/. Other approved applications can also be found on this site.