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ETA News Release: [03/25/2005]
Contact Name: Eryn Witcher or Mike Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 05-0518-NAT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $4.2 Billion for Workforce Investment Programs

WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced allotments of $4.2 billion in Program Year 2005 workforce investment funds. The allocations are made by formula to states and outlying areas as established under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act.

"The President and I are committed to ensuring that no worker is left behind as the workforce shifts into 21st century jobs," said Secretary Chao. "This $4.2 billion investment will fund adult, youth and dislocated worker activities to help unemployed and underemployed workers prepare for occupations in new, emerging industries."

These allotments are part of the Fiscal Year 2005 funds appropriated in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, signed by President Bush Dec. 8, 2004. They include $896.6 million for WIA Adult Activities; $1,476.1 million for WIA Dislocated Worker Activities; $986.3 million for WIA Youth Activities; $746.3 million for Wagner-Peyser Employment Service; $34.3 million for Reemployment Services; $37.7 million for Workforce Information Grants; and $17.9 million to administer the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

The funding levels are being announced now to allow states time to plan expenses under WIA and Wagner-Peyser prior to the beginning of the Program Year July 1, 2005.

The Adult, Youth and Dislocated Worker training programs were established under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Employment Service program was established under the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933.

Additional information about these allotments can be found by linking to the Federal Register notice at www.doleta.gov/usworkforce.

For additional information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.