GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR GRANT TO AID DISLOCATED WORKERS

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today announced that the United States Department of Labor is providing a grant of up to $320,842 to aid 39 workers displaced as a result of the closing of MARWI, USA, Inc. in Olney, Illinois. An initial award of $188,225 is being provided for immediate use.

"Workers displaced by the shut-down need help, and we will do all we can to provide the necessary assistance and training to re-enter the workforce," Ryan said. "This grant is an example of how Illinois can work with the federal government to help employees through plant closings with as little disruption as possible to their careers and home life."

The dislocated worker program is a comprehensive retraining effort to assist workers who have been, or will be, laid off because of technological change, foreign competition or government action.

The grant, authorized under the Title III of the Job Training Partnership, will provide the participants with retraining, basic readjustment and supportive services and needs-related payments.

The grant will be administered by through the Lake Land College JTPA and the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. More information from the US Department of Labor is available at 202/219-5577.