National Press Release

WASHINGTON, June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $6.6 million grant, with an initial release of $2,475,000, to the state of Michigan to provide assistance to workers affected by statewide closures and layoffs in the automotive industry. This release follows another recent Labor Department grant of more than $16 million in Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) funds to help Michigan workers who have been affected by trade.

"This $6.6 million grant is to assist Michigan auto workers affected by industry downsizing by providing re-employment services that will help them find new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Today's grant, awarded to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, will provide workers with re-employment assistance that includes training, assessment, counseling and case management. Affected workers who have been certified as eligible for TAA also may receive up to two years of income support, a health coverage tax credit, and help with job search and relocation expenses.

Additionally, Michigan auto workers may qualify for a $1.5 million Career Advancement Account demonstration project that the state is currently operating. Three Michigan regions also have won and are running multi-year, multi-million dollar Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) projects. These Labor Department investments span the state from western and mid-Michigan to the greater Detroit area, and are seeking to return the state to prominence as a 21st century hub of global innovation.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor