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OPA Press Release:
National
Emergency Grants Will Aid Laid Off Workers In Iowa
Chao Awards Money To
Train And Re-employ After Three Factory Closures
WASHINGTON— U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today
announced a National Emergency Grant for $739,073 that will help Iowa provide
re-employment services to workers laid off as a result of the plant
closures.
“This grant will allow the state of Iowa to provide laid off
workers with the skills training they need and deserve, as quickly as
possible,” Chao said. “The re-employment of all dislocated workers is
a priority in this administration, and the president is moving swiftly to
strengthen our economy and restore the confidence of Americans.”
The National Emergency Grant of up to $739,073 will help Iowa re-train
and re-employ workers dislocated as a result of the plant closings of Exide
Technologies in Burlington, Wabash National in Fort Madison and Keokuk
Ferro-Sil, Inc., in Keokuk. The project will be operated by Southeastern
Community College in West Burlington.
The Department of Labor has awarded $250,000 for immediate use to
provide services including basic skills training, classroom training, job
search assistance, job placement and supportive services. Occupations for which
retraining will be provided for include computer technology, health care,
office administration and truck driving.
National Emergency Grants constitute a large 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. The proposal will use the existing unemployment benefits
system, rather than creating new programs, to provide the re-employment
services necessary to stimulate economic growth.
For more information please go to www.dol.gov
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