DeLauro Applauds $1.2 Million Federal Grant to Prevent Layoffs in CT

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today applauded the news that Connecticut is receiving a $1.2 million grant to develop and implement a program that will help employers keep American workers on the job. The funds are authorized under a provision in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 that was based on part of DeLauro’s Layoff Prevention Act. Twenty-nine states, including Connecticut have work share laws in place and the federal funding will support implementation and improvement of their programs.

Under the grant being awarded today struggling Connecticut companies will be able to reduce hours for their workforce, instead of laying people off. This helps the employers save on rehiring costs, while employees keep their jobs and receive a portion of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to make up for lost wages.

“We need innovative ways to address the challenges employers are facing in today’s difficult economy. Connecticut is at the forefront of this effort, as they are in so many of the areas affecting working families, such as paid sick days and the minimum wage. We have seen the long term damage to families and the economy from mass layoffs of experienced and trained employees. Support for politics such as this will help keep workers in their jobs and families on their feet. This work sharing program will be a win-win situation for everyone involved and help us build a stronger, more flexible economy.”


###