- July 24, 2009
Vice President Biden, Governor Markell, Senators Carper And Kaufman Announce Recovery Act Funds To Help Workers Displaced By Auto Plant Closures In Delaware
Washington, DC – Vice President Biden, Governor Jack Markell, Senators Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman announced today that the Department of Labor has approved approximately $3,803,246 in Recovery Act National Emergency Grant funding for Delaware. The purpose of these funds is to serve the workers affected by statewide automotive layoffs resulting from the closures of Chrysler, LLC (Chrysler) located in Newark, Delaware, and General Motors Corporation (GM) located in Wilmington, Delaware.
“There are so many Delaware families hurting right now because our state’s auto industry has been hit so hard,” said Vice President Biden. “These Recovery Act funds will help folks during this difficult time, to find new jobs, get job training and develop long-term skills to prepare for new careers.”
The purpose of the Recovery Act National Emergency Grants is to provide funds to States, Local Workforce Investment Boards, and other eligible entities in order to respond to the needs of dislocated workers and communities affected by major economic dislocations. Today’s funding will be administered by the Delaware Department of Labor. Eligible workers will receive employment services which may include skills assessment, career counseling, case management, and job search and job placement assistance.
“One of the best ways to help Delaware’s economy grow is to ensure businesses have access to a well-trained workforce,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This funding will help the workers at the GM and Chrysler plants learn the skills they need to find good jobs and help businesses thrive. We owe it to these workers to help them become part of Delaware’s economic future."
“This $3.8 million in new recovery funds for Delaware will help our auto workers and their families get through this challenging time,” said Sen. Carper. “Delaware’s auto workers make up one of the best work forces in the nation and after doing everything that was asked of them and more, now millions of dollars will be coming their way for job training, career counseling and many other essential employment services.”
“Our highest priority is stemming job loss and helping the victims of this recession,” Sen. Kaufman said. “Among those most harmed are the men and women who worked in our auto industry. Despite their hard work and dedication, they suffered because of the poor decisions of others. I am pleased we can provide this help, and hope this is but one step in the process of getting these Delawareans back on their feet.”
"With the closure of GM and Chrysler auto plants in Delaware, this grant will bring much needed assistance to these auto workers and their families" added Dr. Ed Montgomery, executive director of the White House Council on Automotive Communities and Workers. "By providing funding for training, education, job search assistance, and career planning this grant represents just one of the ways the Administration is working to assist the hard working men and women of Delaware manage the current economic situation while preparing for the new jobs or careers."
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 on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.