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ETA News Release: [06/05/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0773-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $6.6 million grant to assist Michigan auto workers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $6.6 million grant, with an initial release of $2,475,000, to the state of Michigan to provide assistance to workers affected by statewide closures and layoffs in the automotive industry. This release follows another recent Labor Department grant of more than $16 million in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) funds to help Michigan workers who have been affected by trade.

"This $6.6 million grant is to assist Michigan auto workers affected by industry downsizing by providing re-employment services that will help them find new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Today's grant, awarded to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, will provide workers with re-employment assistance that includes training, assessment, counseling and case management. Affected workers who have been certified as eligible for TAA also may receive up to two years of income support, a health coverage tax credit, and help with job search and relocation expenses.

Additionally, Michigan auto workers may qualify for a $1.5 million Career Advancement Account demonstration project that the state is currently operating. Three Michigan regions also have won and are running multi-year, multi-million dollar Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) projects. These Labor Department investments span the state from western and mid-Michigan to the greater Detroit area, and are seeking to return the state to prominence as a 21st century hub of global innovation.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.