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ETA News Release: [09/30/2003]
Contact Name: Ed Frank
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676

Labor Secretary Announces Additional Funding to States for Training of Dislocated Workers

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that 13 states will receive over $5.6 million to ensure that workers currently enrolled in training programs under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA-TAA) will receive the full array of services available and complete their programs.

“This Administration is working hard to meet the needs of displaced workers,” said Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “This $5.6 million in grant money means more workers will now be able to receive up to 104 weeks of job training and they can also get job-search allowances so they can recoup a great deal of the costs they incur while searching for jobs.”

This funding marks the last funds disbursed under the TAA program for fiscal year 2003, which ended on Sept. 30. More than $220 million was available during FY 2003, with an additional $39 million available for job search and relocation allowances.

The TAA program is available to assist individuals who have become unemployed as a result of increased imports from, or shifts in production to, foreign countries. The NAFTA-TAA program is available to assist workers who have become unemployed as a result of trade with Canada or Mexico.

“These workers have shown a strong desire to learn new skills and re-establish employment and it is important they are given that opportunity,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary for employment and training. “This administration believes the success of America’s labor market strategy lays in our focus on a demand-driven public workforce investment system that seeks to provide workers with skills training that meets the needs of employers.”

Under the TAA program, eligible workers can receive up to 104 weeks of training and up to 130 weeks if remedial training is necessary. Workers can also receive job search allowance up to $1,250 to recoup up to 90 percent of the costs incurred in their search for a job.

Additional Information on the TAA program can be found at www.doleta.gov/tradeact.

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YEAR END FUNDING AMOUNTS

Trade Adjustment Assistance / NAFTA-TAA Amounts

*Below is a listing of states receiving funding under each program and the amounts for each.

TAA Year End Funding FY 03

Iowa $220,469

Montana $888,950

Minnesota $220,469

Missouri $220,469

Nevada $613,136

North Carolina $220,469

Utah $220,469

Virginia $220,469

Washington $220,471

NAFTA-TAA Year End Funding FY 03

California $345,245

Minnesota $345,245

Missouri $882,451

Ohio $345,245

Pennsylvania $345,245

Utah $345,245

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