WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) announced today that the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development will receive up to $9,000,000, with $3,000,000 released initially, in funding for the National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) administered through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The grant will support disaster-relief jobs and provide employment services to eligible individuals in New Jersey communities affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdoses.

This new award mirrors the programming envisioned in the Jobs Plus Recovery Act, legislation authored by Norcross and passed into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act.

“New Jersey is facing an economic crisis, and our workers impacted by COVID-19 need assistance in getting back into the workforce,” said Congressman Norcross. “This federal funding will help those New Jerseyans searching for a job to develop new skills by expanding worker training and employment programs. As the rate of unemployment in the state and across the country continues to climb, this funding comes at a crucial time for our most vulnerable communities and ensures that they have the resources they need to secure a well-paying, stable job.”

This grant will provide eligible participants with disaster-relief employment in peer recovery positions that will assist individuals affected by opioid use with access to recovery resources. It will also provide employment and training services to reintegrate eligible individuals back into the workforce. The State anticipates serving approximately 900 grant participants across nine counties.

The Dislocated Worker Grants provide resources to states and other eligible applicants to respond to large, unexpected layoff events causing significant job losses.