Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded $3,106,967 to Iowa for Unemployment Insurance (UI) program integrity and performance. The grant will support the integrity of the UI program through the prevention, detection and recovery of improper UI benefit payments. DOL awarded funding to support a number of initiatives that will strengthen the UI system in 30 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Harkin helped secure funding for the UI program integrity activities as chairman of the Senate Appropriations panel that funds DOL. He is also chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
"For those who are unemployed, this assistance is a lifeline. It allows families to pay bills and put food on the table until they find new employment," said Harkin. "Maintaining an efficient unemployment insurance system is crucial to ensure the integrity of the program and that it is there for those who have earned this assistance."