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ETA News Release: [03/15/2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984

Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $2.5 Million Grant to Aid Dislocated Workers in Massachusetts

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $2,559,959 to aid approximately 370 former employees of two Massachusetts companies—RCN, Inc., and UniCare Life and Health Insurance Company. An initial amount of nearly $1.5 million will be released immediately.

“The President and I are committed to helping these workers as quickly as possible,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “This $2.5 million grant will provide immediate assistance, including occupational skills training, on-the-job training, skills upgrading and adult education.”

The grant, awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Labor and Workforce Development, will provide transition assistance to workers, primarily from Hampden County, who were affected by layoffs at the two Springfield companies.

The assistance will include individual counseling, employment development, entrepreneurial training and job-related certifications, as well as supportive services including help with childcare and transportation.

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 go to www.doleta.gov.

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