News Release

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ETA News Release: [02/05/2004]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4658

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces Nearly $970,000 in Aid for Dislocated Oklahoma Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced two National Emergency Grants of just under $1million to assist approximately 600 laid-off Oklahoma workers. Both grants were awarded to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

“The President and I are committed to getting help as quickly as possible to workers who have lost their jobs in Oklahoma,” said Chao. “These grants totaling $969,400 will provide training and re-employment assistance services, including adult education, employment development, occupation skills training, on-the-job training, entrepreneurial training, relocation assistance and supportive services.”

Approximately 200 dislocated workers from VF Jeanswear and Surgical Specialties Companies in Ada and the Hanover Company in Ardmore will benefit from a $400,000 grant. Approximately $200,000 will be available immediately, and the counties served include Carter and Pontotoc.

A second grant of up to $569,400 will aid approximately 400 workers laid off from the VF Jeanswear/Wrangler plants in Seminole and Okemah. The grant, with an initial award of $284,700, will serve workers from Okfuskee and Seminole counties.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met.

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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