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As Prepared
National Emergency Grant
Announcement
For the State of Minnesota
U.S. Department of
Labor
Washington, D.C.
June 4, 2003
Good afternoon.
Welcome to the Department of Labor’s announcement of a National
Emergency Grant to help dislocated workers in Minnesota pay their health
coverage.
And thank you Senator Coleman, Senator Dayton and Congressman Oberstar
for joining us today.
President George W. Bush and I are committed to helping dislocated
workers access the help they need to care for their families.
Last year, the President signed into law the Health Coverage Tax Credit
program as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act. It provides government
funding for 65% of the cost of health insurance premiums for covered workers
and beneficiaries of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation.
This Administration has worked hard to deliver health care assistance to
displaced workers of Minnesota. That’s why I am pleased to announce today
that the Department of Labor has approved a National Emergency Grant of
$7,077,700 for the State of Minnesota.
The initial payment of $4 million will provide funds for health
insurance premiums for 2,000 workers as part of the Health Coverage Tax Credit
program.
Today’s announcement is just part of an on-going commitment by
President George W. Bush to meet the needs of dislocated workers. As the
President has said many times before, one person out of work is one too
many.
It is another clear example that helping American workers who have lost
their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration and for the
Department of Labor.
Thank you.
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