NYs Dept of Labor

Albany, 4 October 2009: New York, New York State

Unemployment Unemployment New York State Labor
Department. Governor Paterson today announced that New York
State will receive approximately $ 4.5 million in federal grant
funds for 2009 under the national reemployment and eligibility
assessment (REA), an initiative of the Department of Labor. The
OER initiative is designed to help people receiving unemployment
insurance, return to work faster, giving them the job search and
individualized training services. The money comes from federal
funds that support the administration of unemployment insurance.
"Due to the economic crisis in New York has faced over the past
18 months, I have made it a priority to do everything in our power
to protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including the
unemployed. These grants demonstrate that the federal government
has recognized and rewarded those efforts, "said Governor
Paterson. "New York was among the first states to address this
individualized approach to help the unemployed back to work
faster, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to expand this
promising program. I want to thank President Obama and
Secretary Solis provide funding that will allow us to serve more
workers through this program. "
REA grant funds Additional support-Stop Career Center staff
works one on one with people receiving unemployment insurance.
Staff will help you determine which employees job hunting and
training services they need and then develop a job search plan
tailored to the needs of each person. In addition, information on the
local labor market is used to help focus the job search on the
person. Staff will continue to track each worker during the job
search process, until the worker gets a job or exhausted their
unemployment benefits.

The first results of the OER initiative are promising. For 2008,
participants found work in about two weeks faster than those of a
control group. Putting New Yorkers to work faster not only
benefits the participants, but also saves the state money. In 2009,
New York could save about 10.4 million per year in payments
from its Fund for Unemployment Insurance Trust (based on
current weekly average rate of unemployment insurance benefits of
about $ 316) if the participants the program find work a week
faster than those who do not.

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said: "As this

recession continues to drag, we are doing everything possible to
help unemployed workers return to work and support themselves
and their families. These grant funds will help us do that."

Twenty states received awards totaling 26.5 million U.S. dollars

under the initiative of OER. New York is one of nine states
receiving grant funds that have previously participated in the
program. In 2008, New York received $ 647,000, which funded a
program of the REA model in a Local Workforce Investment Area.
For 2009, New York, received more than $ 4.5 million to continue
the program of the REA model and extend it to eight Local
Workforce Investment Areas throughout the state.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: "For years, New York has
been a leader in improving the lives of its citizens. This federal
funding recognizes our success, allowing us to offer even greater
support to the unemployed New Yorkers during these difficult
economic times . I am extremely proud to have worked so hard on
behalf of New Yorkers to secure this funding, and will fight for
New Yorkers are well served. "

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: "This is the right investment

for New York. These federal dollars will help workers and families
who have been hardest hit by this economic crisis and back on
track. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator
Schumer and entire congressional delegation to ensure that New
York gets its fair share of the federal government to rebuild our
economy. "

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said: "Today I am pleased to join

Governor Paterson in announcing the re-employment and
Eligibility Assessment (REA) initiative. This program offers the
citizens of New York, access to key federal, helping to combat
rising unemployment facing our nation. I strongly urge our local
leaders to apply for these grants, economic empowerment and
provide job training for residents of Brooklyn. I congratulate the
hard work of Secretary Solis and administration Obama to join me
to specifically address the employment needs of the citizens of
Brooklyn, New York. "

Congressman Eric Massa said: "Helping families return to their

feet during this recession is one of my top priorities. We must all
work together to help reduce unemployment and that is exactly
what these funds are intended to . Helping workers recycling is
central to this process and I'm very proud to help make this
announcement today. "

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "This federal grant money is

supporting an innovative program that will help improve
employment outcomes for New Yorkers. I congratulate Governor
Paterson and the New York State Labor Department to do
everything possible to help to the unemployed get back on their
feet. "

Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns said: "Reducing our

unemployment rate is key to rebuilding our economy. This grant
will provide the most severely affected by recession personalized
access to the tools and guidance needed to find a job. " Click here
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