From the Office of Senator Kerry

Friday, April 9, 1999

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator John F. Kerry and Representative Marty Meehan today announced up to $5,686,249 for job retraining programs for dislocated workers in the Merrimack Valley. The project, funded under the Department of Labor's Job Training Partnership Act, will provide services to 1050 workers dislocated as a result of layoffs from the Raytheon Company.

Senator Kerry said, "This funding will help get these workers back in the workforce as soon as possible. I am glad that the Department of Labor has made funds immediately available for those who have already been laid off, and has recognized the importance of maintaining a strong economic workforce in Massachusetts."

"Today, more than 1000 working men and women will be given a brighter future. I am thrilled that with the help of Senators Kerry and Kennedy and the US Department of Labor, the hard working men and women of the Merrimack Valley will receive up to $5,686,249 in federal funds. These monies will go directly toward helping recently dislocated Raytheon workers get back on their feet," stated Congressman Marty Meehan.

The project will be operated by the Lowell Office of Employment and Training and the Lawrence Department of Training and Development. The funds will be used to provide services such as retraining, basic readjustment and support services. The federal funding will provide participants with programs such as outreach, assessment, career planning development, GED completion, and computer instruction.

Peter Vanier, Executive Director, Merrimack Valley Regional Employment Board said, "On behalf of the workers affected by the Raytheon layoffs, we sincerely appreciate the work Senator Kerry and the Department of Labor has done to secure these retraining funds. We already have people on the waiting list for services and anticipate many more will benefit from this much needed assistance."

Henry Przydzial, of the Lowell Office of Employment and Training added, "We have already begun a waiting list in anticipation of this important funding. We are pleased that this money will now be available to provide the best services to return these workers to the workforce as quickly as possible."

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