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Congressman Garamendi Joins Labor Secretary Solis to Announce Federal Assistance for Laid Off California Autoworkers

June 7, 2010

Garamendi: NUMMI Worker Assistance Great News for California

DSC01713.JPGCongress Garamendi (Center) Speaks at NUMMI Reemployment
Center with Secretary Solis (Right), Congressman
McNerney (Left), and Congressman Stark (Center-Right).

FREMONT, CA – Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Creek, CA) today joined Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, Congressman Jerry McNerney, and Congressman Pete Stark at the New United Motors Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) automobile plant in Fremont to announce new federal assistance for former NUMMI employees who lost their jobs when the plant shut down April 1st.

"NUMMI will rise again. Until that day, we must take care of the thousands of workers who lost their jobs when this plant shut down," Congressman Garamendi said. "I commend President Obama and Secretary Solis for their leadership on behalf of California workers."

Secretary Solis announced a National Emergency Grant, awarding up to $19 million with $11 million released initially made available to the California Employment Development Department, assisting workers who recently lost their jobs with the closure. This funding will serve about 4,347 workers affected by the closure of NUMMI, and 39 other supplier companies affected by the closure of the NUMMI plant. Agencies receiving the funds include the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, Contra Costa County Workforce Development Board, and Workforce Investment Board of Solano County.

"Through the National Emergency Grant, the Administration is making up to $19 million available for supportive services to displaced workers here and at supplier companies throughout the state," Garamendi added. "Nothing replaces a job, and the training that will come from this grant will help displaced workers develop the skills they need to find new employment in a tough job market. What’s now needed is a new jobs bill that will help all workers who have lost jobs in our economic downturn."

In 2009, then-Lieutenant Governor Garamendi called on the Treasury Department to provide a federal bailout to NUMMI, echoing a letter Garamendi sent to the President’s Auto Task Force in July 2009. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Barbara Boxer, and many in the California House delegation made similar appeals.

35 California counties were home to at least one NUMMI supplier. The five counties with the most suppliers included: Alameda (389), Santa Clara (204), Los Angeles (126), Contra Costa (79), and Orange (73).