ETA News Release: [April 30, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $3 Million Grant To Help Trade-Impacted Utah Workers Pay Health Insurance
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of over $3 million to Utah to provide temporary health coverage for approximately 2,400 dislocated workers laid off for trade-related reasons. An initial amount of $1.45 million will be awarded immediately to the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
"This Administration is committed to helping workers who are transitioning," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $3 million will help these workers maintain health insurance for themselves and their families as they move into new careers."
The Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC) program, available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is part of the Trade Adjustment Reform Act of 2002. The program covers up to 65 percent of health insurance premiums for eligible workers. Today's "bridge" grant will allow Utah to make partial payment of insurance premiums for up to two months while workers are being enrolled in the IRS-administered program.
National Emergency Grants are part of the U.S. Secretary of Labor's discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.
Workers can check their eligibility for funds by visiting their local Career One Stop Center, logging onto www.careeronestop.org, or by calling 1-877-US-2-JOBS. For more information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
