09.22.23

Durbin, Duckworth Announce $5 Million to Support Dislocated Workers

CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced $5,000,000 for the Illinois Department of Commerce through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, and Training Dislocated Worker Grant Program to support unemployed and underemployed people access, return to, or advance in high-quality jobs in infrastructure, environment and climate, the care economy,and other critical and growing industries.

“Dislocated workers are facing unprecedented challenges as traditional industries evolve and automation reshapes the employment landscape,” said Durbin.“This federal investment will help us build safety nets capable of catching those who fall on hard times and provide them with the support they need to get back on their feet.”

“Illinois is home to several growing industries as well as millions of hardworking and talented people,” said Duckworth. “As our economy continues evolving, we owe it to workers in changing industries to ensure there are resources available to help them recover and, if needed, learn the skills that will enable them to launch new careers in growing sectors of the economy—and this funding will help make that a reality.”

Earlier this month, Durbin, along with U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), introduced the Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which would ensure American workers have the training needed to successfully navigate the transition into higher-skilled positions and in-demand industries by increasing federal investments in worker training.

-30-