RI to Receive $1.25 Million in Re-Employment Grants

Press Release

Rhode Island's Congressional delegation today announced that the state will receive $1,249,242 from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to provide re-employment and eligibility assessments to beneficiaries of unemployment insurance. The funds will be used to expand the unemployment services currently offered, allowing the state to conduct in-person assessments that will help individuals identify their strengths and opportunities in the workforce, and provide them with referrals for job training and other re-employment services. The personalized reviews also enhance the integrity of unemployment insurance payments, ensuring that only those who are eligible receive assistance.

"We need to keep doing everything we can to help create jobs and get people back to work. These federal funds will help job seekers and modernize and enhance the UI system to make it more effective and efficient," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

"This federal funding will help match Rhode Islanders with openings based on their skills and talents, or help them figure out what kind of training and support they need to get back on the job. That's a big boost for Rhode Island job-seekers and will help our economy as a whole," said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.

"Job growth continues in Rhode Island and nationwide, but unemployment remains too high. We must bridge the disconnect between those who are looking for work and the employers that are hiring, and reemployment programs are a proven way to help close this gap," said Congressman Jim Langevin. "By identifying skills and matching them with corresponding professional opportunities, these programs can make unemployed Rhode Islanders more attractive job candidates, helping them to get back on their feet and back into the workplace."

"These new resources will strengthen our local economy and help put Rhode Islanders back to work," said Congressman Cicilline. "I'm pleased that we are bringing these federal funds back to Rhode Island and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional delegation to deliver results for our state."

The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments program grants were awarded to state workforce agencies nationwide to provide re-employment and eligibility assessments as well as implement the new Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments program. Nationwide, DOL awarded a total of $112 million for the program this year. And the agency estimates that based on the budgets in the past 10 years, the program has reduced individual use of UI services by approximately one-and-a-half weeks, saving on average $3 for every dollar spent in costs.