US Department of Labor announces nearly $201.8M in funding to support employment training, services, wage subsidies for workers hurt by foreign trade

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $201,798,000 in funding to provide training, employment services in 45 states and Puerto Rico to eligible workers affected adversely by foreign trade.

The funds’ allocation includes the initial and second distribution required by statute to the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program. An additional amount of approximately $22.4 million must be distributed before Sept. 30, 2022, fiscal year 2022’s end.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the program supports training, employment and case management services, job search and relocation allowances and income support during training. The program also provides a subsidy to workers – aged 50 or older – whose reemployment wages are lower than the wages earned in their prior trade-affected employment.

“The funding announced today will provide access to training and employment services for workers in 45 states and Puerto Rico whose employment was affected adversely by foreign trade,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “This significant investment underscores the need for Congress to reauthorize the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers Program to ensure our nation remains on the path to an equitable recovery for all workers.”

On July 1, 2021, the program reverted to its previous version, referred to as Reversion 2021. Without reauthorization, the TAA Program will enter a phased termination on June 30, 2022.