Tuesday, August 03, 2004

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Discusses Job Growth, Aid for Workers at Louisiana Economic Forum

To: National Desk

Contact: Dirk Fillpot of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-4676

HAMMOND, La., Aug. 3 /U.S. Newswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao told the Louisiana Economic Forum that President Bush's leadership and sound economic policies have led to strong job growth in Louisiana and across America, and that the Administration's commitment to reforming training and employment programs will help workers find and prepare for new job opportunities in the growing economy.

"Nationally, this is the 10th straight month of job growth," Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao said in the Forum's keynote address at Southeastern Louisiana University. "More than 1.5 million new jobs have been created since last August. The national unemployment rate is now 5.6 percent, which is lower than the average unemployment rate of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s."

The steady and consistent growth in the national economy is evident in Louisiana, Secretary Chao noted. Louisiana's unemployment rate has dropped a full percentage point since June of last year. Louisiana added 5,900 jobs in June, across a broad range of sectors. Secretary Chao also pointed out that while the economy continues to improve, the Administration is committed to helping workers who are still looking for good, high-paying jobs.

"These improvements are good news for Louisiana and for the country. But President Bush and this Administration recognize that there are folks in Louisiana who still need help. The Department of Labor has tremendous resources available to help workers who are looking for jobs, transitioning between jobs or upgrading their skills," Chao said.

Some of the services available to job seekers include job training and counseling. Workers can also receive help paying for transportation, child-care expenses and health insurance premiums while looking for work. Louisiana alone receives $132.8 million annually from the U.S. Department of Labor for training and employment services.

Chao also encouraged workers in need of assistance to visit one of 19 Comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers in Louisiana. Workers can find the nearest center at http://www.servicelocator.org.
via U.S. Newswire

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ms. Chao,I was watching you on Fox News Channel Suday night and when you said that you were going to help people find temp job I really saw the desire in your concerns as mine for the people that no longer have jobs or homes. I think we can help with the clean up in the LA & Miss areas. We are located in Okla.,Texas, Louisiana,Arkansas & Mississippi.

We work for Waste Management the above listed States. Our Primary focus is General Labor.
C.P.S.T. follows O.S.H.A. Laws, Safety programs, Liability & Workers Compensation Insrance we can provide Safety Equipment & much more to workersin the LA & Miss. areas. Miss. & LA is a big part of our business and with you allowing C.P.S.T. the opportunity to use workers in the LA & Miss area for clean up it will help the displaced people and help C.P.S.T. to stay in business.

I saw that your heart was as heavy as mine in helping people start all over and for the people that want to be apart of the clean up and then return to LA & Miss. this will let them see the recovery of there State happen. I know there will be alot that we will need to address along your guidelines of handling the clean up but I assure you that we are a caring and professional Company that is currently in the LA & Miss area.

I would so appreciate being contacted and putting the owners of
or Company i touch with owe ever you guide us to.

My Name is Debbis.e Parker, Division Manager for C.P.S.T. in Olahoma City, Oklahoma. The Owners of our Company is in LA. If you feel that we could be of help please feel free to contact me at home 405-348-5784 or on Tuesday at my office at 405-787-0015 or on my e-mail at jsp50@prodigy.net.

I know Elaine that you as well as I will do what is required to get these people back towork and in there homes as soon as possible. Elaine my heart is broken for all these people and we will do what is needed to get the people settled.
Thank Godfor people like you that is seekig avenues to help the people.
Sincerely,
Debbie Parker