State asks for federal emergency grants to help laid-off Touch America workers

The state of Montana has applied for a $1.5 million national emergency grant to help displaced Touch America workers.

By the Standard Staff

"The fact is, any place in Montana where you have a layoff of more than 50 people that’s pretty significant," said Gordy Higgins, bureau chief for job service programs. The state has used the program before with large layoffs, such as with Stimson Lumber. The money will help workers with training, classes, relocation or even transportation barriers to gaining new employment.

While the state is already providing services to the approximately 247 workers laid off in Montana by Touch America’s meltdown, the grant, if approved, would provide money the state does not have to assist workers.

"It helps provide anything they need to become gainfully employed," said Brenda Hipp, manager of the Butte Job Service. Those workers needing help with updating skills, renewing various licenses or transportation can be helped by the grant.

Higgins said that the federal government has been helpful with providing quick turnaround on such requests. He said the state’s Congressional delegation and governor are also helpful in expediting the application process.

The local job service and the AFL-CIO’s Project Challenge have served Touch America workers in the past few weeks; this includes helping them mail claims to a Delaware bankruptcy court and assisting with basic job searches and resumes updating.

However, the grant will provide money for the job service to further help idled workers.

This is especially important given that some workers may rely totally on unemployment income and not have extra money to help with job-searching needs.

— Leslie McCartney

The Montana Standard

http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2003/07/16/newsbutte/hjjgjcidjbffjj.txt