Maine Democratic Party

Press Room

Get Involved
Write a letter
Contribute
Network
Volunteer
Invest in Blue



Press Releases

Michaud Announces Emergency Funding to Help Dislocated Workers of True Textiles, Inc. in Guilford and Newport, Maine

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mike Michaud announced the release of a National Emergency Grant (NEG) of $462,096 to assist approximately 100 workers affected by layoffs at True Textiles Inc. located in Guilford and Newport, Maine. Michaud sent a letter to the Department of Labor on March 31st supporting the application for NEG funding to help workers who lost their jobs at True Textiles, Inc.  The full text of Michaud's letter is attached.

"National Emergency Grants are a vital lifeline to the people of Maine and the release of this funding is very welcome news," said Michaud. "These are tough economic times and this funding will help provide additional assistance to the workers who have been impacted by this layoff.  It will assist workers in their return to meaningful and productive employment."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the NEG will be awarded to the Maine Department of Labor and will be administered by the Eastern Maine Development Corp.  All of the workers targeted for assistance under this grant also have been certified as eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).  Through this grant, workers will be able to access "wrap-around" services that are not available through the TAA program.  These services may relate to career and skills assessments; case management; job search and follow up; resume and cover letter writing; and basic skills training.  Training will focus on health care, business services and trade occupations, and will be provided through regional adult education programs and the Maine Community College.

"I stand ready to help these laid off workers in anyway that I can. Nationally, we must refocus our efforts and pass policies that are good for the American worker rather than ones that promote shipping industries and jobs overseas."

# # #

March 31, 2009

The Honorable Hilda Solis

Secretary

U.S. Department of Labor

Frances Perkins Building

Third and Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, DC  20210

Dear Secretary Solis:

I am writing to offer my strongest support for the Maine Department of Labor's National Emergency Grant application for $462,096 to support dislocated workers of True Textiles, Inc. in Guilford and Newport, Maine. This is a matter of great importance to the people of Maine, and I am writing to request that you do all you can to expedite the review and approval of this application.

True Textiles Incorporated manufactures panel fabrics for the office industry, operates two plants in Guilford and one in Newport, all three of which have been affected by the layoffs.  Lay-offs to date total 203 workers including 131 workers from the main Guilford plant, 39 workers from the Slater plant located in Guilford, and 33 workers from the Newport plant.

This had a profound impact on the plant's continued viability and, especially, on the workers and families who, through no fault of their own, face uncertainty in their employment and financial security. With this NEG, participants will receive individualized career assessments and planning services to ensure that all needs are taken into account and that they have an effective training and reemployment strategy that will lead to full time stable employment.  The Tri County WIA service provider, Maine Department of Labor staff, and Regional Adult Education program staff expect to serve 100 of the 203 dislocated workers with the full continuum of reemployment services including recruitment, assessment, case management, job skill training including classroom training and on the job training, basic computer training, job development, job placement, retention and follow up services and support services.

Due to the limited employment offerings in the area, these workers face a challenging and daunting task in finding alternative employment.  Most will face agonizingly difficult choices relating to employment retraining and job relocation, which will be further exacerbated by the harsh economic challenges associated with record high gasoline, oil, and food prices. 

National Emergency Grants are a vital lifeline to the people of Maine. These grants have provided much-needed assistance to people across my congressional district.  The resources provided by the National Emergency Grants have provided Maine workers the opportunity to get back to work before and will continue to do so.

Again, I wholeheartedly support this funding request, and I hope you will give it serious and immediate consideration. 

Sincerely,

Michael H. Michaud

 

Member of Congress