"This $44 million targeted to 15 states will help workers access skills training, job search assistance and relocation services to build new careers in high growth industry sectors," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The funds, part of a total fiscal year (FY) 2007 allocation of some $220 million for TAA assistance nationwide, were held in reserve to be distributed at the end of the year among states that have had the highest TAA-related costs. Among those states qualifying for reserve funds in 2007 are North Carolina, South Carolina and Massachusetts, which together received nearly $9.5 million.  All three states experienced significant textile and apparel manufacturing workforce declines, with 13,567 employees out of a total of 22,402 in all sectors certified to receive TAA assistance in FY 2007. Nationwide, 25,904 out of a total of 146,611 qualified workers came from the textile and apparel sectors.

In addition to the 2007 reserve allocation to targeted states, the DOL has released 75 percent of the allocation for all states for FY 2008, which began October 1.

November/December 2007