Training to Work grants improve employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated adults

WASHINGTON — State and federal prisons release more than 600,000 people each year. Back in society — without the benefits of a steady job — far too many are likely to return.

State: South Carolina

Type of Award: National Dislocated Worker Grant

Total Amount Approved: $3,223,968

Initial Award Amount Released: $1,074,656

Funding Awarded to: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce

Number of Workers Served: Approximately 165

Rule would update Equal Employment Opportunity regulations for first time since 1978

Grant to provide reemployment services, training for more than 400 additional workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the funding of a supplemental National Dislocated Worker Grant of $2.75 million to provide for reemployment and training services in Kentucky. The new funding will assist current program participants as well as an additional 406 targeted participants impacted by recent layoffs.

Federal, state and local leaders, officials attend ribbon-cutting ceremony

WASHINGTON — Fifty-one years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, in which its preamble states: "the United States can achieve its full economic and social potential as a nation only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society."

Grant part of nearly $15 million being awarded today

Grant part of nearly $15 million being awarded today

Department establishes wage methodology, including improved housing standards

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor announced a Final Rule today on the employment of foreign workers in jobs related to the herding of livestock on the range, including the herding of sheep and goats. The regulation, the H-2A Herder Final Rule, implements a methodology to address wage stagnation and prevent adverse effects on U.S. workers.

Grant provides reemployment, training for more than 1,400 workers

WASHINGTON — As the demand for coal declines, industry workers are facing an increase in layoffs as employers adjust. In West Virginia alone, recent industry reductions have affected more than 9,200 people with more layoffs likely. As many as 1,100 additional workers face an uncertain future.

WASHINGTON — To ensure that public workforce systems evolve to serve the needs of job seekers and businesses alike, the U.S. Department of Labor is awarding more than $35 million in grants to support and study federally funded employment and training programs.

State: Massachusetts

Type of Award: National Dislocated Worker Grant

Total Amount Approved: $1,968,992

Initial Award Amount: $808,693

Awarded to: Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Number of Workers Served: Approximately 150

WASHINGTON — More than $39.3 million in federal grants awarded today will enhance unemployment insurance programs in 45 states and territories, and reduce the misclassification of employees as independent contractors, the U.S. Department of Labor announced.

The funding will help prevent and detect improper benefit payments, improve program performance, address outdated information technology systems, and combat employee misclassification that underpays and denies benefits to workers and hurts local economies.