U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
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 Labors 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. Thats 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.
Todays 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.
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
|