U.S. Dept. of Labor: Wisconsin to Benefit from Increase in Dislocated Worker Funding

Rep. Ryan Voted for Appropriations Bill that Provides This Program Funding

WASHINGTON – First District Congressman Paul Ryan today hailed a nearly 19 percent increase in federal funding for Wisconsin's dislocated worker employment and training activities, (programs operated under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act.) The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the allotment of workforce investment funds to the states for Program Year 2002. According to DOL, Wisconsin will see an 18.9 percent increase in its dislocated worker funding, compared to Program Year 2001. In Program Year 2002, Wisconsin is due to receive $15,314,830 for WIA dislocated worker activities.

WIA dislocated worker activities state allotments come from the Fiscal Year 2002 funds appropriated in the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act – legislation that Congressman Ryan voted to support.

"This boost in funding for Wisconsin's dislocated workers is great news," Ryan said. "Our area has been hit especially hard by the recession, which took an incredible toll on manufacturing. I have talked to a lot of people who were laid off and are still looking for work. This federal funding increase will help our state offer them crucial employment and training assistance."

Funding for such WIA programs is calculated using statutory formulas, which take into account such factors as the size of the civilian labor force, unemployment, and the proportion of economically disadvantaged citizens in each state. The Department of Labor also notes that funding for dislocated workers is designed to be particularly sensitive to economic changes and respond to states' relative needs for assistance.