Federal training funds set up for displaced workers
JANESVILLE — Workers displaced from General Motors and three other companies soon could tap into a pool of $3.8 million in federal training money.
The U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday it immediately will make $1.6 million available to help 785 workers at GM, Lear Corp. and LSI in Janesville and United Industries in Beloit.
The workers at GM and the supplier companies have been affected by GM’s decision to cut and ultimately cease production at GM’s Janesville plant.
Services will be provided through the Rock County Job Center. The funding will be coordinated with resources available through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. Individuals will be offered training—both in the classroom and on the job—as well as job placement services.
The labor department has indicated that the $1.6 million could be increased to $3.8 million if the state shows a continued need for funding.
“While the economic challenges we face are very clear, this additional assistance is good news for the hardworking families affected by GM’s decision to eliminate the second shift at the Janesville plant,” Doyle said in a news release.
Sen. Russ Feingold said the funding is needed in challenging times.
“I am pleased to support this federal funding which will assist the state of Wisconsin and the Janesville and Beloit region as they seek to provide new job training opportunities to their highly skilled workforce,” he said in a news release.
Rep. Paul Ryan said he had mixed emotions on the funding.
“While these funds will go a long way to help provide a fresh start for those hit hardest in Rock County, the announcement serves as a fresh reminder of the economic hardships we face as a community,” Ryan said in a release.
“Our current credit crunch could significantly add to the burdens of Wisconsin families. I will continue my efforts to help pass an urgently needed economic rescue package in Congress this week. Without swift action to address our credit crisis, the panic on Wall Street will extend to the communities in Rock County that simply cannot afford more pain.”
Oct 5, 2008 at 8:08 a.m.
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That was 2001...things change..people that really want help can get help now. The job center has a lot of services, some better then others, depends on what you need and what your eligible for.
Oct 4, 2008 at 11:59 p.m.
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Roadmaster. The only "help" I got from the Job Center when the place I worked for closed down on us in 2001 was pretty much nil. Only thing they were willing to do was send me to a truck driving school. Whatever they could find that took under 3 weeks and less than $1600. Thats exactly what they told me.
Oct 3, 2008 at 10:07 p.m.
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I am a displaced worker, just not from one of the companies where the workers were making over $20.00/hr. I get no government help. What is wrong with our city, state and country?
Oct 3, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.
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Thanks for all of the info.
My situation has me just a bit stressed.
I worked for a small family business here in town.
Oct 3, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.
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There's funding available for people other than GM workers. Job Service is one of the recommended stops for people during their first day after being laid off. Pell grants just got another boost, too, for schooling. Where does the Federal gov come up with all this money? You don't want to know, really!
Oct 3, 2008 at 2:20 p.m.
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Actually the TAA funds are only available for companies that can show they may have lost jobs to Canada or Mexico because of NAFTA (and other countries where the US has free trade agreements). I think it's a bit dodgy in this case because GM is closing plants in those countries too, but I do hope it helps people around here.
http://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/petitions...
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As I stated on the other story, by having these funds available, more of the regular-budget funds are available for other workers. The pool of money has been increased.
Oct 3, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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If you would get yourself down to the Job Center, you will get your federal funding. The Dislocated Workers' Progran is available to anyone who has lost their job due to the poor economy.
Oct 3, 2008 at 12:59 p.m.
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Where is MY federal funding?
I live in Janesville.
I work(ed) for a company here in Janesville.
I lost my job due to the poor economy.
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I guess I don't qualify because I didn't work at the correct place.
I'll face the same burdens, and pain as those previously employed by the big 4 noted in the article.
What about me?
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