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ETA News Release: [04/08/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Administration Continues Commitment to Aid Dislocated Florida Workers

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces National Emergency Grant of up to $4.5 Million to Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $4.5 million that will aid over 4,500 workers laid off from Florida’s travel and tourism industries. $2.25 million will be immediately available.

The grant was announced during the Secretary’s visit to Orlando where she joined Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings to discuss the Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring workers in the state can receive the job and skills training they need to find re-employment. This grant supplements over $8.6 million in National Emergency Grants that have been previously awarded to Florida since Sept. 11, 2001.

“The President and I are committed to helping displaced workers access the job and skills training they need to find new jobs and provide for themselves and their families,” Chao said. “We hope these funds will be deployed quickly to help these Florida workers.”

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state or local workforce investment board submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met. The project will be operated by Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation, and will supplement existing re-employment programs including: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao.

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

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