Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $27,685,179 in federal funds to the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). These funds, awarded through the U.S. Department of Labor Dislocated Worker Grants, will be used to address workforce-related impacts of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has had devastating effects on businesses and their employees,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “Many Americans are still financially struggling and need assistance in finding employment opportunities. These funds will help the State ensure that those most in need are provided aid, while our small businesses continue to recover from the economic drawbacks as a result of the coronavirus.”

On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared COVID-19 a nationwide public health emergency. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also issued COVID-19 emergency declarations for states, outlying areas, and Indian tribal governments.

These declarations enabled the U.S. Department of Labor to award additional funding for 15 Dislocated Worker Grants totaling $118,034,389 to help address the workforce-related impacts due to the pandemic.

Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs)

Disaster Recovery DWGs qualify eligible participants disaster-relief employment opportunities to address the effects of COVID-19 on their communities, as well as employment and training activities. Employment Recovery DWGs provide reemployment services to eligible individuals affected by mass layoffs, such as those resulting from the pandemic.