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ETA News Release: [01/24/2008]
Contact Name: Terry Shawn or Jennifer Kaplan
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5052
Release Number: 08-0109-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $1.25 million to North Carolina to help trade-affected workers pay for health insurance

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,250,000 National Emergency Grant to the state of North Carolina to help provide assistance in paying health insurance premiums to approximately 1,800 dislocated workers who are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit. The assistance is available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Reform Act of 2002.

"This $1.25 million grant will help provide health care coverage for these workers as they transition to new careers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The TAA Reform Act of 2002 established mechanisms by which trade-certified individuals and members of other eligible groups can receive assistance to partially cover the costs of qualified health insurance coverage. The primary mechanism is a federal tax credit administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Payments made through this grant will cover up to 65 percent of the cost of health insurance premiums during the one to three months required for the IRS to enroll, process and begin providing payments for eligible individuals.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.