WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and George V. Voinovich (R-OH) today led a bipartisan letter from Ohio’s congressional delegation in support of the state’s request for $3.2 million federal funds to assist up to 8,800 Ohio workers laid-off from auto industry jobs.

The letter to the U.S. Labor Department was also signed by U.S. Representatives Steve Austria (OH-7),  John Boccieri (OH-16), Steve Driehaus (OH-01), Bob Latta (OH-5), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Steven LaTourette (OH-14), Tim Ryan (OH-17), Zack Space  (OH-18), Betty Sutton (OH-13), and Michael Turner (OH-3).

 “The struggles of the automotive industry are acutely felt in Ohio, where auto companies and suppliers play a pivotal role in the economy,” wrote the Ohio delegation members in a letter sent today to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, a copy of which was also provided to Labor Secretary-designee Hilda Solis. “These emergency funds are critical to provide updated skills and mitigate the economic hardship felt by thousands of Ohio families.”

On December 10, the State of Ohio submitted an application for $3,204,873 in emergency aid to be directed toward automotive workers. National Emergency Grants (NEGs) are awarded by the Labor Secretary to expand job and skills training capacity in response to significant events that create new and urgent needs for assistance.

To date, a total of 3,800 laid-off Ohio auto workers have received services through the state’s “one-stop” job centers and employment offices. The state estimates that an additional 5,000 layoffs are pending. The NEG will assist Ohio in meeting the anticipated demand for re-employment and training services for Ohio workers.

A full copy of the letter can be found below or by clicking here.

January 14, 2009

The Honorable Elaine Chao
Secretary
Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue
Washington, DC 20210


Dear Secretary Chao,

As members of the Ohio Congressional delegation, we are writing in support of the State of Ohio’s application to the U.S. Department of Labor for a National Emergency Grant to assist dislocated workers affected by layoffs in the state’s automotive sector. We request your expeditious consideration and approval of the state’s request.

The struggles of the automotive industry are acutely felt in Ohio, where auto companies and suppliers play a pivotal role in the economy. To date, a total of 3,800 auto workers have been laid off and served with rapid response services in Ohio. The state estimates that an additional 5,000 layoffs are pending.

On December 10, the State of Ohio submitted a baseline application for emergency aid to be directed toward automotive workers. Roughly one-third of these workers are expected to seek services from Ohio’s “one-stops” and employment offices. Ohio has requested $3,204,973 to meet the growing demand for re-employment and training services that will help these skilled workers transition to new sectors. These emergency funds are critical to provide updated skills and mitigate the economic hardship felt by thousands of Ohio families. We appreciate your leadership and request that you act promptly in response to the State of Ohio’s request.

cc:       Rep. Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor - Nominee
            Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Project