Congresswoman Hirono Announces $10.2 Million in Unemployment Insurance Funding For State of Hawai‘i
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) today announced the state of Hawai‘i will receive $10.2 million in U.S. Department of Labor funding for unemployment insurance modernization through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Hawai‘i Department of Labor and Industrial Relations can use the funds to pay unemployment benefits or, if appropriated by the state legislature, for administering its unemployment insurance program or delivering employment services.
“Hawaii’s UI program includes a key provision that better meets the needs of the 21st century workforce,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Hawaii uses recent wages when determining eligibility for benefits, which enables unemployed workers who are relatively new entrants to the workforce to receive the assistance they need and deserve.”
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