The working men and women of Michigan and their families have always been Congressman Dingell’s top priority. Throughout his tenure in Congress, he has actively worked to ensure that all working men and women have a safe work environment and are compensated fairly. He has also consistently advocated for proper enforcement of our trade laws and has fought against efforts to weaken our labor laws.

Congressman Dingell is deeply concerned with the loss of American jobs. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the migration of millions of American jobs overseas, particularly in Michigan. Irresponsible tax and trade policies by the previous Administration in large part facilitated this trend, and Congressman Dingell will work during the 111th Congress to enact legislation to reinvigorate the Nation’s economy, particularly the manufacturing sector. To that end, Congressman Dingell has consistently supported increased funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP). MEP is the only federal program dedicated to providing technical support and services to manufacturers, providing access to training and technologies that improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability helping manufacturers to compete in the global workforce.

All three grants were awarded to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Of the $38,033,600 announced, $19,016,800 was released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance. A key focus of the grants will be targeting workers in the three regions dislocated from the automotive and other related industries for training to transition them to growing areas of the regional economies, including health care, solar manufacturing; and management, scientific and technical consulting services.

• Southeast Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
• Awarded up to $18,638,400 with $9,319,200 released initially;
• Provide services to about 7,274 workers.

• Flint / Mid-Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
• Awarded up to $8,993,600 with $4,496,800 released initially;
• Provide services to about 3,085 workers.

• West Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
• Awarded up to $10,401,600 with $5,200,800 released initially;
• Provide services to about 2,932 workers.

Unemployment

• H.R.1 extends the current unemployment insurance extension that was scheduled to end in March until December 31. Current law provides unemployed workers with up to 33 weeks of benefits. This extension will help over 161,000 workers in Michigan.
• This legislation also increases through December 31 the current average unemployment insurance benefit by $25 per week, to $325 per week. This will help over one million workers in Michigan.
• Finally, this legislation also includes one-time grants to encourage states to modernize their unemployment compensation systems in order to increase coverage among low-wage, part-time, and other jobless workers.

Job Training

• Michigan will receive an estimated $183.3 million for job training programs under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
• Michigan will also receive $400 million in Wagner-Peyser Act funds for employment service operations and for Trade Adjustment Assistance Michigan will receive $18.8 million.
• $750 million for competitive job training grants for "high growth and emerging industry sectors." Of that total, $500 million would be used for jobs relating to energy efficiency and renewal.
• $400 million for state employment and re-employment service grants, which state employment agencies use to match unemployed residents with appropriate job openings. Half of this appropriation would be designated for expedited re-employment services for unemployment insurance claimants.