US Department of Labor awards grant increment to assist about 2,500 Wisconsin workers affected by statewide layoffs at 79 companies

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today made available a $3,390,230 National Emergency Grant increment to continue providing re-employment services to approximately 2,500 workers of 79 companies, predominantly in the manufacturing sector, who have been affected by layoffs and plant closures in Wisconsin.

"Wisconsin's manufacturing sector has been hit hard by the economic downturn," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant from the federal government will give workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own continued access to re-employment and retraining services to help them obtain jobs in growing industries."

The funds are being awarded to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. They will be used to continue assisting these workers, many of whom also are certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance, by providing supportive services not available through the TAA program. Workers who are not TAA-eligible will have access to a broader array of training and employment-related services provided under this grant.

A grant of up to $13,614,919 was awarded by the Labor Department to the state of Wisconsin in March 2010, with $5,072,148 released initially. An increment of $3,972,529 was provided in April 2011. Today's increment brings the total amount of funds provided to $12,434,907.

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/.