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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release July 2, 1999

           VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES $1.78 MILLION GRANT
             TO HELP LAID OFF WORKERS IN MAINE GET NEW JOBS

Washington, DC -- Vice President Gore announced today a $1.78 million grant to help workers who lost jobs in Maine's pulp, paper and textile/shoe industries get help finding new jobs.

"We must ensure that our economy makes use of the talents and abilities of all of our citizens," Vice President Al Gore said. "This grant will ensure that the important contributions Maine workers have to offer will not be overlooked."

"Losing a job is stressful for the workers, their families and the community," US Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman said. "These funds will enable the Maine Department of Labor to assist more than 775 workers get back in the labor market as soon as possible."

The grant, provided by the Department of Labor, will be operated by the Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Employment Services in the counties of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Somerset and Washington.

The layoffs are a result of closures and downsizing at five companies -- Carleton Woolen Mills' Gardiner and Winthrop facilities; Mead Paper Company in Rumford; SAPPI, Inc. in Westbrook; Sherman Lumber in Sherman Station; and Cole-Haan in Livermore.

The dislocated worker program is funded under the Job Training Partnership Act for workers who lose jobs because of technological changes, foreign competition or government action. Generally, workers are eligible if they are unlikely to return to their previous industry or occupation.

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