Wisconsin Governor Announces Additional Assistance for Displaced GM Workers

Strategic Insights -

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has announced that more than $2.3 million in additional assistance will be provided to about 1,400 displaced workers affected by the closing of the General Motors assembly plant in Janesville. The federal funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, will be used to help workers with training-related expenses and job search activities. Governor Doyle expressed his disappointment over the closure of the plant and committed to supporting the affected workers through various initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $2.3 million in National Emergency Grant supplemental funding to assist displaced workers affected by the closure of the General Motors assembly plant in Janesville.
  • The funding will be used to help workers with training-related expenses and job search activities, including travel payments, child care, and other training-related expenses.
  • The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is coordinating the services, which will also be supported by resources available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.
  • National Emergency Grant (NEG) funding is a discretionary fund awarded by the Secretary of Labor based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines.
  • Governor Doyle has laid out plans to support the economic development of Wisconsin and create new jobs, including the passage of the Wisconsin CORE Jobs Act.

Statistics:

  • $2.3 million: the amount of National Emergency Grant supplemental funding awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist displaced workers.
  • 1,400: the number of displaced workers affected by the closure of the General Motors assembly plant in Janesville.
  • $1.6 million: the amount of National Emergency Grant funding made available to assist 785 affected workers in 2008.
  • $2.2 million: the second installment of National Emergency Grant funding made available in June 2009.

Sources:

  • Governor Jim Doyle's office
  • Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • [www.doleta.gov/NEG](http://www.doleta.gov/NEG)