The U.S. Department of Labor today approved up to $10 million in emergency grant funding to California

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today approved up to $10 million – with $1 million released initially – in emergency grant funding to California to support disaster-relief jobs and training services for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.

On Jan. 7, 2025, the region’s strongest Santa Ana wind event in more than 10 years ignited wildfires at several locations, forcing more than 150,000 people to evacuate and burning more than 35,000 acres. As the largest fires continue to burn, new fires have sparked across the region. At least 24 people have died and many remain missing and the lives of more than 500,000 people have been disrupted by the disaster.

“My heart aches for my home state and all of the people impacted by these devastating fires,” said Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “Working people are often the most severely impacted in cases of widespread devastation, which is why I am so glad that the Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Department of Labor can partner with the state of California and be there to help in this awful time. Californians need to know that their federal government, working in lock step with state government, stands with them. This Dislocated Worker Grant will help to support California and its incredible, vibrant, diverse people as they begin what will be a long recovery.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration on Jan. 8, 2025, enabling the state to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in Los Angeles County.

The National Dislocated Worker Grant – supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 – allows the California Employment Development Department to provide people with temporary disaster-relief jobs and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to address immediate, basic needs for those displaced by the wildfires. The funding also enables the state to provide training and services to individuals in the affected communities.

The department’s Employment and Training Administration oversees National Dislocated Worker Grants, which expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs at the state and local levels by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that lead to significant job losses.

Agency Employment and Training Administration

More News from Raritan

• Attorney General Platkin Announces Charges Against 25 People, Four Companies, in Large-Scale Diesel Fuel Theft Scheme The investigation revealed that the enterprise possessed “master” keys that unlocked gas pumps, permitting them to install the skimmers inside.
• No golden years: The wage gap for older women of color Original Article By: Erin George, Gretchen Livingston •December 19, 2024