"This is good news for our state and many Maine citizens who are out of work. It will ultimately benefit any workers who permanently lose their jobs due to Great Northern Paper's bankruptcy and reorganization," said Senator Susan Collins. "The grant is the first step in helping to get desperately needed benefits to recipients."
The Maine Bureau of Employment Services is the recipient of the grant, which will be used to fund the costs of developing the infrastructure in the State to make health insurance benefits available for eligible individuals. It can also be used to certify individuals potentially eligible for a health coverage tax credit.
Senator Collins continues to urge Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to approve promptly the award of approximately $15 million to fund health insurance benefits for individuals who lose their jobs due to trade. A decision on that application is expected within weeks.