Washington, D.C. -Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) announced the Department of Labor has provided more than one million dollars for a National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant to help dislocated workers in Minnesota communities affected by the opioid epidemic.

"As the nation faces unprecedented economic challenges, and our fight against the opioid epidemic continues, this funding from the Department of Labor is a vital resource for Minnesota's workforce," said Emmer. "Whether it’s dealing with the employment challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, or closures of major businesses like Electrolux in St. Cloud, I am committed to ensuring that individuals who experience job loss receive the support and assistance they need to rejoin the workforce and have stable and reliable employment."
 
The U.S. Department of Labor issued an opioid-crisis National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant to Minnesota for $1,368,421 to train 200 displaced workers. A portion of the funds, $800,000, will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to Minnesota communities who have been impacted by the health and economic effects of opioids. 

The project will offer peer-support counselors who will work with individuals impacted by opioid use, helping them recover, rehabilitate, and return to the workforce. Employment and training services will also be offered to assist these Minnesotans. The program will operate throughout 46 counties in central and southeast Minnesota.  

Read more about Rep. Emmer's work on Workforce Development here. 

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