WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of grants totaling $2,335,270 to Mississippi and New York to develop and enhance Self-Employment Assistance programs for eligible individuals. Participants in this voluntary program will receive: entrepreneurial training; access to resources to help to help launch their own businesses and financial assistance, which will be equal to what qualified participants would otherwise receive under their Unemployment Insurance benefit eligibility.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending August 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 331,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 337,000. The 4-week moving average was 331,250, an increase of 750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 330,500.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $4,760,671 National Emergency Grant to assist New York with cleanup and recovery efforts after the severe storms and flooding that struck the state from June 26 to July 4, 2013.

"The Mohawk Valley area of New York experienced significant flooding and other storm-related damage. With this federal grant, impacted communities can move forward with cleanup and restoration activities while also providing temporary work opportunities for those in need of employment," said Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending August 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 336,000, an increase of 13,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 323,000. The 4-week moving average was 330,500, a decrease of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average of 332,750.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded an $807,193 National Emergency Grant to assist about 220 individuals affected by the closure of the Kewaunee Power Station in Kewaunee, Wis.

"These workers have specialized job skills needed in the nuclear power industry, and this federal funding will provide a range of re-employment services and opportunities," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric Seleznow.

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a grant of $332,576 to the state of Oregon to enhance and promote its Self-Employment Assistance program. The program provides entrepreneurial services for individuals eligible to receive regular unemployment compensation as well as individuals eligible to receive Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

WASHINGTON — A $250,000 National Emergency Grant announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor will assist West Virginians with cleanup and recovery efforts following the severe storms and flooding that struck the state on June 13, 2013.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $500,000 National Emergency Grant increment to assist Rhode Island with continued cleanup and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

WASHINGTON — A $380,168 National Emergency Grant was announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide employment-related services to about 65 workers affected by layoffs at AAR Mobility Systems in Cadillac, Mich.

"The department's funding will give these Michigan workers the opportunity find new jobs in expanding sectors within the state," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric Seleznow.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending August 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 320,000, a decrease of 15,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 335,000. The 4-week moving average was 332,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average of 336,000.

WASHINGTON —— The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,081,678 grant to provide employment-related assistance to 120 residents affected by layoffs and closings at 16 manufacturing companies located in Bristol County, Mass.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending August 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 333,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 328,000. The 4-week moving average was 335,500, a decrease of 6,250 from the previous week's revised average of 341,750.

WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a $346,531 National Emergency Grant increment to continue employment-related services to about 180 workers affected by the closure of Solo Cup in North Andover, Mass.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 27, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 326,000, a decrease of 19,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 345,000. The 4-week moving average was 341,250, a decrease of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 345,750.

BOSTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded a grant of $49,329 to the state of Vermont to create and promote a Self-Employment Assistance program for individuals who are eligible to receive Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The Vermont SEA program will connect EUC claimants to self-employment and training services through referrals to the Vermont Small Business Development Center.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of funds for states to improve program integrity, performance, and technology infrastructure systems for the Unemployment Insurance program. The grants are intended to accelerate actions to reduce UI improper payment rates; provide an opportunity for modernizing UI tax and benefits systems, and enable the design of technology-based tools to prevent, detect and recover improper UI payments.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 343,000, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 336,000. The 4-week moving average was 345,250, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average of 346,500.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,054,112 National Emergency Grant to assist Arkansas with cleanup and recovery efforts after the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that struck the state May 30 to June 3.

"The destruction caused by this severe storm affected communities across Arkansas," said Eric Seleznow, acting assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. "There is a great deal of recovery work to be done, and the Labor Department is committed to helping Arkansans rebuild their communities."

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending July 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 334,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 358,000. The 4-week moving average was 346,000, a decrease of 5,250 from the previous week's revised average of 351,250.

Grants awarded to 38 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded approximately $64.3 million to 38 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia to implement or continue re-employment and eligibility assessments for individuals who receive unemployment benefits.