News Release

Printer-Friendly Version

ETA News Release: [04/28/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Administration Continues Commitment to Aid Dislocated Maryland Workers

Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces up to $1.5 Million to Supplement Re-employment Programs

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $1.5 million that will aid approximately 850 workers affected by the closure of the Black & Decker plant in Easton, Md. $500,000 will be awarded immediately.

The grant was announced during the Secretary’s visit to Annapolis where she joined Governor Robert L. Ehrlich to discuss the Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring workers in the state can receive the job and skills training they need to find re-employment.

“The President and I are committed to helping displaced workers access the job and skills training they need to find new jobs that will enable them to provide for themselves and their families,” Chao said. “We hope these funds will be deployed as quickly as possible to help these Maryland workers.”

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary’s discretionary fund. A grant is awarded after a state or local workforce investment board submits a request and the grant guidelines have been met. The project will be operated by Maryland’s Department of Labor, and will supplement existing re-employment programs including: job search assistance, job development, job placement, basic skills training and counseling.

“Helping American workers who have lost their jobs remains a top priority for this Administration,” said Chao.

For more information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs please go to www.dol.gov.

# # #

_________________________________________________________________