U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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Office of Public Affairs

OPA Press Release:

$5 Million National Emergency Grant To Illinois
Chao Awarded The Grant To Re-employ Workers Dislocated As Result Of Sept. 11

WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of $5 million to train and re-employ Illinois workers who lost their jobs as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Workers dislocated from airlines and related industries, including travel, tourism and hospitality are suffering as a result of the terrorist attacks,” Chao said. “Our administration is working hard to ensure that every worker receives the training they need to find re-employment.”

The National Emergency Grant will provide re-employment assistance for approximately 2,375 workers. Chao awards National Emergency Grants to supplement existing job training programs in states that request help and demonstrate need. The grant will provide Illinois workers with immediate recruitment, outreach, job assessment, job search assistance, basic skills training and classroom training.

National Emergency Grants constitute a major part of President Bush’s Back-to-Work package. If passed by the Senate, the president’s package will help the economy recover by providing increased assistance to dislocated workers, including assistance with private health insurance continuation coverage.

For more information please go to www.dol.gov

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