WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Grassley has made a personal appeal to the U.S. Secretary of Labor to award funds from a National Emergency Grant program to Iowa for job losses that may result from the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations.
The special consideration sought by Grassley for Iowa is necessary because the state failed to submit a request by the June 10 deadline.
In a letter sent to Secretary Elaine Chao, Grassley wrote, "National Emergency Grant funds would provide critical retraining assistance. It would be a shame if these workers were not helped because a deadline was missed."
According to the Department of Labor, National Emergency "Phase I" planning grants are available to help states initiate early community planning in order to provide assistance for workers and spouses potentially affected by BRAC 2005 final actions. Funds will be used to establish local BRAC partnerships for the benefit of workers and key stakeholders. Their use will have no impact on subsequent BRAC-related recommendations or actions.
Click here for a copy of Grassley’s handwritten note.
-30-