WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $657,841 National Emergency Grant to assist about 200 workers affected by layoffs on April 1 at Katahdin Paper Co. in East Millinocket, Maine.

"This grant will provide critical training and employment services for these Maine workers to help them obtain good, stable jobs in growing industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The Labor Department is committed to supporting these workers and at the same time helping employers develop the highly skilled workforce they need to succeed."

Grants to provide crucial services for low-income non-custodial parents and ex-offenders

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4,279,199 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 720 workers affected by layoffs throughout the commonwealth of Massachusetts as a result of the closure of AJWright stores, including individuals formerly employed at the company's corporate headquarters, distribution center and retail stores.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 429,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 420,000. The 4-week moving average was 426,250, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 426,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending June 11, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.9 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,412,754 National Emergency Grant increment to continue training and re-employment services to about 600 workers affected by layoffs at nine companies in the metro south/west region of Massachusetts representing the information, manufacturing, retail and transportation industries.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $707,550 National Emergency Grant increment to continue to provide retraining and re-employment services to about 450 workers affected by layoffs at Chrysler LLC in Newark, Del., General Motors Corp. in Wilmington, Del., and five suppliers to the two companies.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded six organizations a total of $38 million in Green Jobs Innovation Fund grants to serve workers in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

"This grant program is an important part of the administration's efforts to equip workers with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed in green industry jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "These are smart investments in the green energy jobs of today and the green energy economy of the future."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $7,666,392 National Emergency Grant to assist about 6,530 U.S. Department of Defense civilian workers, contractors and military spouses impacted by the realignments and closures of military facilities in the District of Columbia and Maryland.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced 15 grants totaling $20 million through the Civic Justice Corps program to help formerly incarcerated individuals ages 18-24 reconnect with their communities and find pathways to success through community service and educational opportunities.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4,593,515 National Emergency Grant to provide re-employment services to about 690 workers affected by the closure of Masco Retail Cabinet Group in Pike County, Ohio. Although layoffs at the company's facilities in Waverly and Seal Township began in May 2010, a majority of the workers are being laid off this month.

Funding to help speed job seekers return to work, prevent improper payments

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $48.7 million in funding for 37 states and the District of Columbia to implement re-employment and eligibility assessments for beneficiaries of unemployment insurance.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 11, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 414,000, a decrease of 16,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 430,000. The 4-week moving average was 424,750, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 424,750.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending June 4, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate of 2.9 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $838,680,283 in unemployment insurance modernization incentive funds to the state of California. California qualified for its full share of the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by including in its law provisions that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part-time workers and workers who become unemployed because of compelling family reasons.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,263,164 National Emergency Grant increment to continue services for about 1,050 workers affected by layoffs at Monaco Coach Corp. in Coburg, Ore.

"Today's release of additional funding means that former employees of Monaco Coach will continue to receive case management and training services to help them better compete for new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending June 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 427,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 426,000. The 4-week moving average was 424,000, a decrease of 2,750 from the previous week's revised average of 426,750.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending May 28, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.0 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $4,276,514 National Emergency Grant to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts after severe storms, tornadoes and flooding struck Kentucky in April.

"People in Kentucky are still reeling from the devastation of recent storms," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The department's grant will help affected communities as they begin cleanup and repair efforts."

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2 million National Emergency Grant increment to continue cleanup and recovery efforts that began in October 2010 following destruction in Puerto Rico caused by Tropical Storm Otto.

"Even after months have passed, Puerto Rico is still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Otto," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The funding being made available today will continue support efforts to restore the island and help its people get back on their feet."

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATAIn the week ending May 28, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 422,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 428,000. The 4-week moving average was 425,500, a decrease of 14,000 from the previous week's revised average of 439,500.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending May 21, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate of 3.0 percent.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced grants of $1,170,000 each to 10 organizations to provide training, employment and support services to adult former inmates returning to their communities after serving time in justice facilities.

"The grants announced today are an investment not just in the futures of former inmates, but also in the communities and families to which they are returning," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,690,122 National Emergency Grant increment to continue services to existing participants and to increase the number of workers to be trained in aerospace occupations as a result of the realignment of military installations in Oklahoma. About 885 individuals will be served under this grant.