Governor Cuomo announced an $18 million federal grant has been awarded to New York that will continue reemployment services for individuals receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. The grant – the highest award in the nation – comes from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of its Reemployment and Eligibility Assessment initiative.

This funding builds upon a grant for $10.3 million awarded in 2012, an $11 million grant in 2013, and an $18 million grant in 2014, which combined helped 178,788 unemployed New Yorkers. This year’s grant was increased based on the State’s performance and is anticipated to help more than 95,000 New Yorkers.

"As New York's economy continues to rebound, this state has developed an effective, proven model to match those in need of work with employers looking to grow and thrive in the Empire State," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding will help continue these efforts and ensure that those who need employment have the resources available to them to do so."

New York State Department of Labor career counselors work with Unemployment Insurance recipients assigned to the program as part of an aggressive agenda that includes three mandatory one-on-one meetings, a work search plan, training assessment, and referrals to additional reemployment services.

“Our primary focus is jobs, jobs, jobs and ensuring unemployed New Yorkers have the skills, know-how, and guidance to navigate an ever-changing job market,” said Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino. “The best news we can hear from an unemployed New Yorker is that they no longer need Unemployment Insurance because they landed a new job. And we hear this across the State every day.”

Earmarked Funding*	​
Region	Amount
Capital	$1.3 million
Central	$1 million
Finger Lakes	$1.5 million
Long Island	$2.4 million
Mid-Hudson	$2.4 million
Mohawk Valley	$725,000
NYC	$5.5 million
North Country	$500,000
Southern Tier	$800,000
Western	$1.8 million
Total	$18 million
*Amount of funding subject to change based on regional needs	​

Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, "Everyone who wants to work should be able to find a job. There are still too many people who are unemployed and I applaud Governor Cuomo's ongoing efforts to help those who have yet to feel the effects of our nation's economic recovery."

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, “Unemployed New Yorkers working hard to land their next job greatly benefit from federal reemployment investments. We must continue to provide resources, counseling, and training to job seekers so they can once again achieve financial independence. As Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to direct federal resources to tackle unemployment in New York.”

Congressman José E. Serrano said, “This federal funding from the U.S. Department of Labor will allow us to continue helping unemployed New Yorkers access a new job. In 2014 alone, this funding helped nearly 200,000 people get back to work. Thanks to this success, New York will be able to count on more funding in 2015 to further reduce our unemployment rate by helping hundreds of thousands more transition to a new job. I am particularly glad that a significant portion of this funding is going to the Bronx and the rest of New York City."

Congressman Jerrold Nadler said, “Funding reemployment services that have helped hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers is the right thing to do for our hard working families and it is the right thing to do for our economy. Job creation is how we address unemployment, it is how we support New York families and boost our economy. I was proud to support federal funding for reemployment services and I applaud Governor Cuomo and New York State Department of Labor for their work in securing this $18 million federal grant to help more than 95,000 New Yorkers across the state.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney said, “We’ve had 64 consecutive months of job growth, but there are still far too many New Yorkers looking for work. The number of job openings has continued to climb since the end of the recession, so we can help reduce the unemployment rate even more by helping those looking for work find the right job. That’s why I’ve worked to support this federal funding. I applaud Governor Cuomo for working to ensure that New York’s reemployment programs are among the best in the nation, and that these resources are used wisely.”

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, “This valuable program helps New York working families who have become unemployed find new jobs, get a fresh start and land on their feet. I am proud to see federal resources dedicated to it.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks said, "I join Governor Cuomo’s in his efforts to reduce unemployment and under-employment. Nearly one-third of today’s grant will provide New York City residents with human resource development specialists, like those at the Queens Career Center. I fully support the effort to return the 5th Congressional District and New York State to full employment."

Congressman Joe Crowley said, “The Unemployment Insurance program is critical to thousands of New Yorkers who lost their job through no fault of their own and are looking for work – not just by providing needed temporary assistance, but also by supporting career services and work preparation. This federal grant will go a long way in helping unemployed New Yorkers become reemployed New Yorkers.”

Congressman Steve Israel said, “Helping hardworking New Yorkers get back to work is the quickest way to boost our economy. I am proud to join with our state partners in providing federal tools and support to help New York lead the nation in transitioning thousands of New Yorkers from unemployed to gainfully employed.”

Congressman Brian Higgins said, “Helping New Yorkers re-enter the workforce is a critical piece of keeping our economy strong. This $18 million in federal funding, $1.8 million of which is allocated for Western New York, will provide the guidance and support necessary to ensure those who are looking for employment can successfully transition into the workforce and become gainfully employed.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke said, “I commend Governor Cuomo for his commitment to supporting men and women who want to work but cannot find jobs. Even as our economy continues its recovery from the Great Recession, the unemployment rate for African American and Latino workers remain unacceptably high, particularly for young women and young men. Our economy depends on providing these individuals with the resources required to develop their unique talents.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "Persistent unemployment prevents hard-working New Yorkers from being able to provide for their families. It can also weigh down an entire state, slowing economic growth and stifling innovation. I am thankful Governor Cuomo has made this initiative a priority, helping unemployed men and women in our state get back to work. In Congress, I will continue to push for this type of support, which provides job creators with the tools they need to bring jobs to the Capital Region."

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, “This is a critical investment in our friends and neighbors in the Hudson Valley who have been laid-off to help them get the skills they need to compete in today’s job market. We can rebuild our economy and strengthen our communities here in the Hudson Valley by investing in our neighbors and ensuring we have a trained and skilled workforce.”

Congresswoman Kathleen Rice said, “As our economy continues to recover, we need to remain aggressive in our efforts to help unemployed men and women on Long Island and across New York access the training and support they need to find good jobs. I’m glad that this federal funding has been provided to support those efforts, and we’ll keep working hard at the federal, state and local levels to help all New Yorkers succeed in the 21st century economy.”

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik said, “There is no better fix for unemployment in upstate New York than good paying jobs. This grant will help unemployed North Country families receive assistance and training that will help them reenter the workforce and help fight unemployment.”

Congressman Lee Zeldin said, “Partnering with Governor Cuomo and our state government, these federal funds will help provide unemployed Long Islanders with tools and training to get back into the workforce. Many unemployed New Yorkers are working hard to find a job to help pay their bills and many others have given up on their searches altogether. This grant will go a long way in helping Long Islanders as well as our local economy.”

Anyone looking for a job should visit their nearest New York State Department of Labor Career Center, which can be found here: www.labor.ny.gov/career-center-locator.