Dear Secretary Scalia,
We write to urge the Department of Labor (the Department) to quickly approve the
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's (LEO) Disaster Recovery National
Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) application, which was submitted on May 5, 2020. The
requested $10,000,000 will be used to support the reopening of Michigan's economy and to
mitigate the anticipated workforce disruptions related to the ongoing pandemic, serving a total of
500 participants through Michigan's workforce system.
As is detailed in the application, approximately 70 percent of the requested funding will
be used to employ temporary workers to assist with contact tracing, sanitizing, test-site
facilitating, and other jobs directly tied to the COVID-19 relief and recovery effort. All
temporary workers will receive additional employment services and, potentially, training to
enable them to transition into full-time employment when the crisis ends.These jobs are not only
critical to employing Michiganders, but also in helping mitigate the pandemic and getting the
economy fully functioning again.
Recognizing the fact that not all temporarily laid off workers will return to their previous
employment once the COVID-19 pandemic concludes, and given the expected contraction and
evolution in the state's economy, a portion of the requested funding will be used to support those
with no job to go back to once the economy begins reopening. Funding will provide essential
reemployment services such as assessment, career counseling, training, and supportive services
to enable Michiganders to return to full-time employment in growth industries.
The final component of the funding request will directly impact the delivery of services
through the Michigan workforce system. This crisis has uncovered several areas wherein
upgraded technology could greatly enhance the system's ability to better serve participants going
forward, particularly when there are large numbers of individuals seeking services. Technology
upgrades to meet new demands include supporting virtual service delivery models, electronic
registrations, website upgrades, virtual talent tours, and equipment necessary to accommodate
virtual learning.
As of May 6, 2020, the Department has awarded NDWGs totaling more than $171
million to 36 states and territories. Michiganders, too, would benefit tremendously from this
funding. To that end, we request that the Department expeditiously process and approve
Michigan's application and help put Michiganders back to work as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and stand
ready to assist the Department in providing this support to Michiganders without delay.