$4M National Emergeny Grant Awarded to State to Help Dislocated Workers

Secretary Perez Announces $4 Million to Continue Re-employment Services for Over 2,800 Dislocated Workers Statewide

MADISON, April 12, 2011 /State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development/ -- Department of Workforce Development Secretary Manny Perez today announced nearly $4 million in additional assistance from a National Emergency Grant for over 2,580 dislocated workers affected by multiple layoffs and plant closures throughout the state, primarily in the manufacturing sector.

The award is the second payment of $13.6 million in NEG funding that the U.S. Department of Labor approved for Wisconsin a year ago. The total amount is the largest NEG grant ever awarded to Wisconsin. The first payment in March 2010 was over $5 million.

“This grant will continue the re-employment services and training these workers need to get back to work at the earliest opportunity,” Secretary Perez said. “With Wisconsin’s more business-friendly environment, employers are looking to hire. It’s critical that we continue these services and provide business the skilled workers they need, particularly in manufacturing, one sector that’s driving the recovery.”

The $4 million grant will fund services for 2,580 workers displaced by multiple layoffs and plant closings at 68 companies, nearly 80 percent of them manufacturing firms.

The NEG program helps states respond when significant events create a sudden need for assistance. Services are being coordinated by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and provided through regional Workforce Development Boards. NEG funding is being coordinated with resources available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. The program commits significant resources to occupational retraining.

Support services include travel payments, child care and other training related expenses. Workers with skills in demand are being assisted in job search activities including workshops on resumes, interviewing and analysis of transferable skills. Those determined to need skill development to find suitable employment will have a variety of training options to select from.

The additional assistance will be provided by DWD and its regional partners in 62 counties. The remaining counties are benefiting from an earlier NEG grant of $3.4 million that is funding additional assistance to displaced workers in the Green Bay area.

The NEG grant dollars are applicable to workers dislocated from specific companies. Dislocated workers interested in learning more about the program and potential eligibility may contact their local Job Center to inquire about services by visiting www.wisconsinjobcenter.org/directory or toll free at 888-258-9966.