Albany, NY - May 16, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced $20 million in federal funding to support the State's efforts to get unemployed New Yorkers back to work. The grant is the largest awarded to any state and exceeds last year’s total of $18 million.
Since 2012, New York State has received more than $77 million from this initiative, helping more than 298,745 unemployed New Yorkers start over, with plans to help an additional 101,000 people in 2016.
"New York continues to see tremendous job growth across the State and we are committed to ensuring that every New Yorker who wants a job can find one," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding allows us to continue providing intensive career counseling that has been key helping hard-working Empire State residents find new careers and re-enter the work force."
The funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor's Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment initiative, will support 210 New York State Department of Labor Career Counselors who will work with Unemployment Insurance recipients through an aggressive service model.
The model includes three mandatory one-on-one appointments, a work search plan, training assessment and referral to employment opportunities. The individuals who receive these services under this grant frequently have barriers to employment that put them at risk of exhausting their Unemployment Insurance benefits.
Acting New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Our number one priority is ensuring that out-of-work New Yorkers have the tools they need to land the jobs that are available in the community where they live. This funding will allow us to continue our work to help anyone currently collecting an unemployment check to get back to earning a paycheck instead."
A regional breakdown of the funding allocations is as follows:
|
Region |
Amount |
|
Capital Region |
$1,396,292.00 |
|
Central |
$1,107,404.00 |
|
Finger Lakes |
$1,588,884.00 |
|
Long Island |
$2,792,584.00 |
|
Mid-Hudson |
$2,551,844.00 |
|
Mohawk Valley |
$674,072.00 |
|
NYC |
$7,125,904.00 |
|
North Country |
$433,332.00 |
|
Southern Tier |
$818,516.00 |
|
Western |
$1,781,476.00 |
|
*Amount of funding subject to change based on regional needs |
Senator Charles E. Schumer said, "This is a smart investment that will help thousands of unemployed New Yorkers secure a job and simultaneously boost our local economy. Governor Cuomo deserves much credit for prioritizing and continuing this successful initiative, and I pledge to continue fighting hard in Congress for resources that will help protect and create jobs in our great state."
Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, "Many thanks to Governor Cuomo and the U.S. Department of Labor for helping put New Yorkers back to work. My priority has always been jobs, jobs, jobs for our constituents. Whether they are looking to improve their job qualifications, explore a different profession or find a new career, I hope this grant will provide job seekers adequate resources and practical skills to gain employment and advance their career."
Congressman Eliot Engel said, "Our economy continues to gain strength, but far too many New Yorkers are still not feeling the recovery. We can do more to make sure that working men and women have the tools they need to find the jobs that we’re creating in the 21st century economy. I applaud Governor Cuomo for using these federal funds to do just that, and offer career guidance for more than 100,000 job seekers.”"
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, "A well-trained workforce is essential for New Yorkers to compete in the global economy. That's why I fight every year to strengthen programs like this one to ensure hardworking men and women can secure good jobs to support their families."
Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, "I'm pleased federal funding is helping get New Yorkers back to work. Working directly with the unemployed, offering them guidance, and helping them find job opportunities that match their skills is the best way to connect job seekers to currently available jobs. I want thank Governor Cuomo for working so hard to help more than 298,745 unemployed New Yorkers start over."
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "When our fellow New Yorkers need a little help, we should not turn our backs on them, but we should offer a helping hand. This grant will do exactly that; it will help New Yorkers return to work and ensure those that are actively seeking it are not deprived of their much-needed assistance. I thank the Department of Labor and Governor Cuomo and I look forward to continuing to work with them to reduce unemployment in every community in our state."
Congressman Paul Tonko said, "As our economy continues to recover, there are still too many in our communities who struggle to find quality, long-term employment that helps them to support a family. I thank Governor Cuomo for recognizing this challenge and using these funds to help so many throughout our state to get back to work. I look forward to continuing to work with his office on the federal level to ensure every hardworking New Yorker has the opportunity and ability for employment that they deserve."
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said, "This $20 million federal grant will play a critical role in helping New Yorkers get back to work. Though our national economy is much stronger today than in recent history, we have more work to do in the fight to ensure that every New Yorker who wants a job can find one. Governor Cuomo and all involved should be commended for their work in this effort."
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, "This important funding will go a long way to help those struggling to find work in our community. This critical funding will provide career counseling to help those struggling find gainful employment.”"
Congressman Dan Donovan said, "Changes in how our economy works have left some folks jobless, particularly in the manufacturing industry. Getting them retrained and back to work is in everybody's interest. Thank you to the U.S. Department of Labor and Governor Cuomo for dedicating resources to our communities across the state."