labor lawAdivision of labor law center

 The US Department of Labor has a number of resources in place for Louisiana victims of Hurricane Gustav. Similar programs for survivors of Hurricane Ike in Texas are sure to follow.

 

So far, the US Department of Labor has announced a $22.2 million national emergency grant  to Louisiana to aid workers displaced by the hurricane. Emergency grant funds are available to employers, small business owners and self-employed workers as well as employees displaced by the natural disaster.

 

The funds will be used to create more than 4,000 temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts following Hurricane Gustav.

 

“This $22 million emergency grant will fund 4,000 jobs for workers to help Louisiana communities recover from Hurricane Gustav damage,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “Funds will also be used to provide Louisiana residents in need with vital humanitarian assistance including food, clothing and shelter.”

 

The federal monies will also be used for projects that provide food, clothing, shelter and other types of humanitarian assistance, including work on the homes of individuals who are eligible for the federally funded weatherization program. Priority is given to services for the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

 

On Sept. 2, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared 34 parishes in Louisiana as eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. The grant, awarded to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, will provide funding for temporary employment on projects for the cleanup, demolition, repair, renovation and reconstruction of destroyed structures and public lands within the affected communities.

 

Workers displaced by Hurricane Gustav are also eligible for unemployment benefits. They should apply at the nearest unemployment office, even if they have relocated to another area temporarily.

 

According to the US Department of Labor, $7.4 million of the $22.2 million will be released immediately, with the additional funds made available in the coming weeks and months.

 

Resources: 

• For general questions and assistance, contact the US Department of Labor National Contact Center at 1-866-487-2365
• Get online information at the Department of Labor Hurricane Recovery Assistance Page

 

 

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• Colorado Reduces Minimum Wage in 2010 - November 20th, 2009
• New Law Expands FMLA and NDAA for Military Families - October 30th, 2009
• California Approves Exempt Salary Reduction - October 16th, 2009
• 3 New Illinois Laws - October 9th, 2009
• New Definition of Disability - September 25th, 2009
• E-Verify Regulations - September 18th, 2009
• New USERRA Regulations - September 2nd, 2009
• E-Verify News - August 26th, 2009
• New Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law - August 19th, 2009
• Louisiana Minimum Wage - August 3rd, 2009