WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $70,814,387 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Iowa. Iowa qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by enacting new provisions that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part-time workers and people who are upgrading their skills.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $48,864,609 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Washington. Washington qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $9,210,994 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the District of Columbia. The District of Columbia qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 30, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 621,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 625,000. The 4-week moving average was 631,250, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average of 627,250.

The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 5.0 percent for the week ending May 23, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate of 5.0 percent.

Total includes nearly $16 million in Trade Adjustment Assistance and grant increase of $1.7 million for laid off auto workers plus UI modernization funds announced yesterday

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,416,970 grant to assist approximately 200 workers affected by layoffs at Boise Cascade LLC in St. Helens, Ore.

"This grant will allow affected workers in Oregon to access the services and training necessary to allow them to upgrade current skills or seek careers in new occupations," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced 13 grants totaling $9,899,200 aimed at providing young parents with employment and training opportunities to provide a better future for themselves and their families.

PERRYSBURG, Ohio – While in Perrysburg with Gov. Ted Strickland today, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $88,169,529 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds for the state of Ohio. The state qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits.

ROMULUS, Mich. – While in Romulus today touring the General Motors Romulus Engine Plant, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that the U.S. Department of Labor is releasing an additional $49.9 million to the state of Michigan to provide career training and employment and case management services to workers whose jobs are impacted for trade-related reasons, as well as for associated administrative costs. Combined with the original fiscal year 2009 allocations, Michigan now has nearly $60 million available to assist trade-affected workers.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $4,639,299 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Vermont. Vermont qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to qualify for benefits. Vermont's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has certified for release $32,260,831 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Idaho. Idaho qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by providing for a variety of provisions that assist recent entrants to the workforce, part time workers and people who are upgrading their skills.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 23, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 623,000, a decrease of 13,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 636,000. The 4-week moving average was 626,750, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week's revised average of 629,750.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 631,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 643,000. The 4-week moving average was 628,500, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 632,000.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,320,100 grant to assist approximately 307 workers across the state of Minnesota affected by layoffs from 27 companies in the retail, service and manufacturing sectors of the declining automotive industry.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $462,096 grant to assist approximately 100 workers affected by layoffs at True Textiles Inc. located in Guilford and Newport, Maine.

"This grant will allow affected workers in Maine to access training and services that will aid them in obtaining re-employment in growing regional industries," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $62,817,683 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the commonwealth of Virginia. Virginia qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to be eligible for benefits. Virginia's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $10,175,575 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of Hawaii. Hawaii qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to be eligible for benefits. Hawaii's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today certified for release $137,580,702 in unemployment insurance (UI) modernization incentive funds to the state of New York. New York qualified for the funds available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) by allowing workers to use their more recent earnings to be eligible for benefits. New York's approved application will be posted at the department's Employment and Training Administration Web site at http://www.doleta.gov/recovery/.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKLY CLAIMS REPORT

SEASONALLY ADJUSTED DATA In the week ending May 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 637,000, an increase of 32,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 605,000. The 4-week moving average was 630,500, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's revised average of 624,500.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $725,075 grant increment to help Illinois officials with continued cleanup and recovery following the state's June 2008 severe storms and flooding.

"Last June, a series of severe storms resulted in widespread flooding in Illinois," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This grant increment will continue to fund temporary jobs for dislocated workers in the affected area."