Minnesota Uses Stimulus Funding to Help the Jobless

The Hutchinson Leader reports that Governor Pawlenty has authorized stimulus funding to support the unemployed with a range of programs and services, including:

• Dislocated Worker Program: Career planning and counseling, job search and placement services, training and other support services will be available. Additional staff will be hired for Rapid Response Teams, which work with employers and workers on-site when a company announces major layoffs.

• Summer youth employment program: Pays for summer jobs in both the public and private sectors for at-risk youth.

• Adult employment and training: Services include skills assessments, job training and job-search guidance. Money has been allocated to the 16 Workforce Service Areas; most services will be provided through the state’s 47 WorkForce Centers.

For policies and stimulus strategies to support job training and work supports.