ETA News Release: [August 16, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post
Phone Number: 202-693-3984
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Awards Over $280,000
To Assist Trade-Affected Workers in Maryland
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced the release of $284,129 to assist approximately 574 trade-affected workers in Maryland. The funding, provided through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, will enable the state to provide training to workers certified as eligible to receive TAA benefits.
"The President and I want to ensure that these trade dislocated workers are given the opportunity to get the training and other assistance they need to prepare for new and better careers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This grant for $284,129 ensures that workers found eligible for TAA assistance can receive up to 104 weeks of training, as part of that preparation. These workers are also eligible to receive up to two years of income support and other help such as job search and relocation expenses," continued Secretary Chao. "The government will also pay up to 65 percent of health insurance premiums. Also, if workers are over the age of 50 and qualify for the Alternative TAA program, the government will pay 50 percent of the wage differential if they get a new job that pays less than their old job."
The funds are being made available from the TAA reserve account. Congress has capped TAA training funds at $220 million. To assist states with management of these limited resources, the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration this year began allocating funds differently - 75 percent of the total, or $165 million, was distributed by formula to the states, and the remaining
25 percent was kept in a reserve fund for unexpected layoffs that might occur during the year.
For fiscal year 2004, Maryland received $518,178 to train trade-affected workers. A state may request additional funding after it has expended at least 50 percent of its initial allocation for that year.
Maryland is one of 18 states to receive TAA reserve funding since Oct. 1, 2003. The other states receiving reserve funding include: California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations is responsible for administering the TAA program in the state.
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
