WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 � U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced a major component of President Bush�s Competitiveness Agenda, unveiled Jan. 31 during the State of the Union Address. Through the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor will invest $195 million in 13 regional economies.*1

"We are launching the WIRED initiative to encourage regional communities to partner together and leverage their collective public and private sector assets and resources to develop a more highly skilled workforce that can act as the linchpin to attract new economic development and employers," said Secretary Chao.*2

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (February 3, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

MSHA Applauds Court Decision Granting Injunction
MSHA Defends UMWA Rights as Miners' Representative in Sago Investigation*1

WASHINGTON �David G. Dye, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, applauded the decision by Judge Robert E. Maxwell of the U.S District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia granting an injunction against a subsidiary of International Coal Group (ICG) today. The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) sought an injunction against the mine operator of the Sago Mine, Wolf Run Mining Company, after miners' representatives from the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) were denied access to the mine on Wednesday to accompany MSHA officials investigating the Jan. 2 accident at the Sago Mine.

"MSHA will take every step to protect the miners' interest in a fair and open investigation into this tragic accident � including ensuring that the UMWA can participate fully as the miners' representative. We made a commitment to the miners and the families on this. We are elated that the court agreed that the rights of miners' representatives must be protected," Dye said.

Section 103(f) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 provides that miners' representatives can accompany MSHA investigators "during the physical inspection of any coal or other mine... for the purpose of aiding such inspection and to participate in pre- or post-inspection conferences held at the mine."

MSHA recognizes UMWA representatives as a valid miners' representative at the Sago Mine.

An explosion at the Sago Mine in West Virginia on Jan. 2 took the lives of 12 miners. One miner survived the explosion and remains hospitalized. MSHA is investigating the cause of this accident.

Following Judge Maxwell's decision today, miners' representatives will be able to participate in the underground investigation. MSHA expects to enter the Sago Mine to begin its underground investigation this afternoon.*2

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (January 27, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

[[[ An event photo of U. S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao (DOL photo/Shawn Moore)
Event photo details...]]]

BALTIMORE, Jan. 6 � U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, joined by Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele, visited Johns Hopkins Medical Campus today to echo President Bush's remarks on the strength of the nation's economy and the release of the December employment report.*1

"Today's numbers cap a year of steady growth and good news for America's workers," said Secretary Chao. "Two million net new jobs created in 2005, more Americans working than ever before � 142.8 million, and an average annual unemployment rate of 5.1% � one of the lowest annual average unemployment rates in the past 35 years. We need to stay the course with the President�s economic initiatives."

The country�s economy has seen 31 straight months of job growth, and maintains a steady and low unemployment rate of 4.9%. Chao highlighted the need to implement the President�s pro-growth economic policies to continue to strengthen the nation's economy. These include making the tax cuts permanent, so workers can keep more of their hard-earned wages, and continuing to invest in worker training and reforming publicly funded training programs.*2

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (January 18, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

U.S. Department of Labor Announces $190,000 Grant To Help Train Iowa Workers

WASHINGTON � The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a National Emergency Grant of $190,000 to help train workers in Iowa dislocated as a result of the closure of Citicorp Credit Services Inc. in West Des Moines.*1

"Workers affected by this closure will be able to tap this assistance to prepare for new careers in growing industries in Iowa," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "The grant awarded today will provide employment-related assistance and training to ensure these workers are equipped with skills that are in demand by local employers."

The grant, awarded to the Iowa Workforce Development agency, will provide a full array of services including employment-related assistance, long-term training and needs-related payments to approximately 50 of the 280 workers affected by the Citicorp closure.

The project, to be operated by the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium, will cover Polk County. Supportive services will also be available and may include follow-up after participants have received reemployment assistance.*2

For more on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (January 11, 2006), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, a Taiwanese-born immigrant, encouraged Asian-Americans to speak up, and to work on their communication skills during a summit hosted by the Asian Pacific Americans Federal Career Advancement.*1

While speaking at the career advancement summit dedicated to Asian-American federal workers, the U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said that it is vital for Asian Americans to acquire the skills of marketing, human relations and report briefing in order to advance in their career with the federal government. Chao also praised the Asian-American work force for its contribution to the development of the U.S. economy.

At the same time, Chao emphasized that it is important for Asian-Americans to improve both their verbal and written communications skills. Chao says that Asian-Americans must learn about the American ideology of team-spirit in the work environment, while also participating in meaningful community work.

The latest statistics show that Asian-Americans currently make up 4.8% of all federal employees. Chao is hoping that the career advancement summit will help Asian-Americans improve upon their career skills, while also furthering their understanding of the different methods for advancing into high positions within the government.

Ever since Chao took office with the advent of the Bush administration, she has dedicated herself to raising public awareness of the minority Asian workforce struggling to advance in the American society.*2

Secretary Chao received her B. A. degree in Economics with straight A's for all her four years at the famous Mount Holyoke College in New England. She obtained her M. B. A. degree from Harvard University in 1979. She also studied at M.I.T., Dartmouth College, and Columbia University.

"With the excellency of knowledge, humanity, and patriotism inspired by Elaine Chao, Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI) has continued its many years effort to community service and spiritual belief. Nevada is honor to have WBTI under her spiritual Chairpersonship and I am especially honor to be a M.I.S. Manager of the Graduate School of Business and Public Administration of WBTI," humble as he is, River Sun chatted excitedly during the celebration dinner party at the Gee Joon Chinese Restaurant of Horseshoe Club. The Moon Festival of Midautumn has been many thousand years celebrated as a day for patriotism by the Chinese people in the Far East and Southeastern Asia. The party was held by WBTI in Las Vegas on September 11, 2003.

Following the inspiration of the past many years of the accomplishment of Ms. Elaine Chao's contribution of humane spirit to our society, we have the persistense of Wou Shien's spirit for education here in America. If a coolie and hard woker like him could dedicate to eduction by offering all his income and life to build a school for children in his village, what should not for us to offer our efforts for our community? *3

"As an Assistant Fellow of the Culture Institution of Washington Business and Technology Institute, it's my precious opportunity to realize my potential of entrepreneuship to work with all these outstanding faculty members of WBTI under the encouragement and spiritual leadeship of Elaine Chao who has been honored as the Chairperson of this Institute," said Ms. Becky Ung.*4

Becky Ung is the former President and Member of the School Board for Unified School District of San Morino, California. She is a national and international famous Speaker in California, United States; Taipei, Taiwan; and Beijing, Shanghai, Amoy, China. Becky has published a numerious Vidio Tapes, feature articles, and books. Her recent famous book named "What you Wish is What you Get" was published by Songan Publishing Inc. in 2001 at Taipei, Taiwan. The next one of hers, "E. Q. Unlimited," will be published by Franklin Publications at Taipei in the fall of 2002. She is an expert of E. Q. (Emotional Intelligence).

"The mission of this School [Graduate School of Business and Public Administration (GSBPA) of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI)] will emphasize the humanitarian orientation of public administration and the social responsibility of business management. Through academic entrepreneurship, we may expect the endeavor of this School for the community service based on humane spirit, led by Chairperson Elaine Chao*5 of WBTI," said Dr. Dina Titus, Adjunct Professor of Administrative Strategies in GSBPA. Dina Titus was born May 23, 1950 in Thomasville, Georgia. She graduated from College of William and Mary with A.B.. She received her M. A. and Ph. D. degrees from University of Georgia and Florida State University, respectively. She is a Senator and Minority Floor Leader of Nevada Senate. Dina is also a professor of Political Science in UNLV.*6

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References

*1. ET News. 'ET News, ET Today.com,' "A search of 'U. S. Secretary Elaine Chao' from Google.com," (May 3, 2005), U. S. A.: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.
*3. GSBPA of WBTI. 'New Year's Message of the President,' "Newsbrief of WBTI," (January 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: WBTI.
*4. Tyrrell, Natalie; and Chang, Tiffany. 'Increase your potential and EQ for success,' "Nevada Eaxaminer," (2002), Las Vegas, Nevada: Nevada Eaaminer.
*5. Department of Labor. 'A search on Google.com at November 2, 2004,' "About Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao," (November 2, 2004), Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of Labor.
*6. Ibid.

Google.cn and Google.com published this section (Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor) on December 28, 2005. It covers about the 25 fliers from November 27 , 2004 to February 11, 2005.

Just type your name, your concerned, the name of an organization, an event, or a reporter; (like "chairperson elaine chao", "u s senator john ensign", "ms elaine chao", "Elaine Chao was praised for her integrity, honesty, kindness, management skills, and popularlity through the climbing of ladders", "U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Outlines Accomplishments of High-Level U.S. Department of Labor Delegation to China", "Our great Asian American leader Elaine Chao in America", "US Labor Secretary Elaine Chao praises Asian American workforce by tiffany chang", "ȫ��̨��ͬ�l“�x��", "Taiwan Benevolent Association of America", "聯合新聞網 聯合報記者范凌嘉", "����񺽿���̨�k����������", "�ɰ��������C �B�T��̨���׺�����", "�R���:�����A�˛]�з��ѿ��g", "歐冬來", "睹城天天報", "'Las Vegas Chinese Daily News' publishes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week", "The following information have been received from the search of 'publisher helen hsueh' on the Google.cn", "黄笑生", "北京大學校長許智宏", "拉斯維加斯華人協會", "ӛ�ߗ��", "北大將頒連戰名譽教授", "賭城華人慶中秋 今烤肉", "胡錦濤：中國堅持對外開放基本國策", "�������׶������^�����á����c̨���ʌm����չ�� ��", "�滭�������Ͳ���", "�����w������ɳ����Ʒ�@��", "�Ї�ˇ�gƷ�Ј�ͻ��ƿ�i", "��ʏ��", "���ᬎ", "������W�� ���˳Ɂ� ��", "����ϡ����l�Q�� �������������", �f��ɽ�����L�w�� ���[�f��ɽ��", "̨��С����ѻ� �@�������[С����", "���A���^��ϯ", "ī���•�^������", "֥�njW��������� ���ʿ���", etc.); or your name followed by wbti (like "u s scretary of labor elaine chao wbti", "secretary elaine chao wbti", "u s senator john ensign wbti", "governor kenny guinn wbti", "李岩 wbti", "������ wbti", "ģ�؃� wbti", "������ wbti", "�w�� wbti", "�η� wbti", "���\�� wbti", "����� wbti", "���x�m wbti", "ꐂ�?", "˾ͽ���� wbti", "����� wbti", and among others) please, and what can you find the good thing that Google and WBTI have for you?

MSHA Announces $1.5 Million in Safety, Health Training Grants for Miners in Nine States and the Navajo Nation
ARLINGTON, Va.�The U.S. Department of Labor�s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) today announced more than $1.5 million in grants to provide mine safety and health training and education to miners in nine states and the Navajo Nation. The grants announced today are part of more than $7.9 million in grants that MSHA will distribute in FY 2006.

�The Bush Administration is very focused on improving workplace safety,� said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. �These $1.5 million in grants will equip miners around the country with the training to help ensure that every miner returns home safely at the end of every working day.�

The following grants were announced today: Alabama, $182,669; Arkansas, $94,504; Illinois, $209,250; Indiana, $177,442; Maine, $50,202; Minnesota, $260,538; Missouri, $192,835, Navajo Nation, $25,534; New Mexico, $137,983; and Virginia, $253,990. These grants total $1,584,947.

Grantees use the funds to provide federally mandated training to miners. The grants cover training and retraining of miners working at surface and underground coal and metal and nonmetal mines, including miners who engage in shell dredging or are employed at surface stone and sand and gravel mining operations.

With the grant money, some state recipients develop videos, DVDs and other training materials. Other states assist mine operators to produce training plans covering topics required under federal regulations.

Past training topics have included hazard recognition; accident prevention; occupational health; roof and ground control; ventilation; mine rescue; mine emergency operations; and certification for various jobs ranging from electricians to hoisting engineers.

Grants are administered by state mine inspectors� offices, state departments of labor or state-supported colleges and universities. States apply for the grants. Each recipient tailors the program to its state miners� individual needs and provides technical assistance. The Navajo Nation includes parts of northern Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico.

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (December 31, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

U.S. Labor Department Obtains Judgment Ordering Kalamazoo, Mich., Business Trustee to Restore Funds to 401(k) Plan
SAN FRANCISCO � The U.S. Department of Labor has obtained an order for summary judgment with respect to defendant Brenda Mackerel, a trustee of the Magic P.I. & Security 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. The order requires that she restore $650,454.82 to the plan and permanently bars her from serving as a fiduciary for employee benefit plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).*1

"The court sided with workers and justice today. These workers saw their hard earned pension plans plundered," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "With today's court decision, the department will pursue full restitution of pension assets and enforce the lifetime ban that keeps this individual from ever again gaining control of any pension assets."

The judgment, issued by the federal district court in the Western District of Michigan, partially resolves a lawsuit filed by the Labor Department alleging that from March 1999 through February 2002, Mackerel, formerly of Kalamazoo, misappropriated funds from the 401(k) plan for company expenses; failed to remit contributions to the plan earned by employees under contracts subject to the requirements of the federal McNamara-O'Hare Service Contract Act (SCA) of 1965, and otherwise failed to properly administer pension plan funds. Magic P.I. & Security Inc., formerly based in Kalamazoo, is no longer in business. The court found that the failure to remit employer contributions to the plan and the use of those plan assets by Magic P.I & Security constituted prohibited transactions with a party in interest and prohibited transfers of plan assets, violations of ERISA.

The department argued, and the court agreed, that the unpaid SCA contributions constitute assets of the plan. Specifically, the court found that, during the period from Dec. 31, 1999 through Feb. 28, 2002, Magic P.I. & Security received $226,745.63 from federal agencies. Those funds, marked as fringe benefit allowances under the terms of the federal contracts and the SCA, should have been deposited in the plan. Instead, Mackerel caused Magic P.I. & Security to use those funds for its operating expenses.

In a separate criminal action, Mackerel was found guilty by the federal District Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan, of embezzlement and money laundering of the 401(k) plan assets, and was sentenced to prison and ordered to make restitution to the plan.

The case was investigated by the Cincinnati regional office of the Labor Department's Employee Benefits Security Administration. Employers and workers can reach the Cincinnati office at (859) 578-4680 or through EBSA's toll-free number, 1-866-444-EBSA (3272), for help with problems relating to private-sector retirement and health plans.*2

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (December 24, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

OPA News Release: [12/16/2005]
Contact Name: Mike Biddle or Dirk Fillpot
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x5051
Release Number: 05-2218-NAT

Labor Department Issues First-Ever Regulations Protecting the Reemployment Rights of America�s Soldiers

WASHINGTON�The U.S. Department of Labor today announced regulations, to be published Monday, Dec. 19 in the Federal Register, interpreting the law that protects employment and reemployment rights and benefits of service members upon their return to civilian life. This is the first time since its passage in 1994 that the Department of Labor has developed regulations to explain and clarify the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA). The department�s action is the latest in a series of proactive steps taken to ensure job security for the largest group of mobilized National Guard and Reserve service members since World War II. USERRA prohibits discrimination against past and present members of the uniformed services and establishes reemployment rights for service members who want to return to the jobs they held prior to service.*1

�Our citizen soldiers put themselves in harm�s way to defend our freedoms, and now it�s our turn to be there for them,� said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. �These regulations provide comprehensive guidance on USERRA, which works to preserve the seniority, promotion, health care, pension and other benefits of our citizen soldiers when they return home to the jobs they left to serve our country.�

Since Sept. 11, 2001, almost 530,000 citizen soldiers have been mobilized, and more than 390,000 of these National Guard and Reserve members have been demobilized.

The new regulations, drafted in an easy-to-read, question-and-answer format, explain how USERRA protects against discrimination and retaliation because of military service; prevents service members from suffering disadvantages due to performance of their military obligations, and affords them ample time to report back to jobs following completion of their service obligations.

The department is also announcing publication of the final version of the notice it provides employers for use in informing employees of their rights, benefits and obligations under USERRA. The notice, downloadable posters containing the notice, and the new regulations can be accessed at www.dol.gov/vets.

In addition to the regulations, the Department of Labor has taken other steps since September 11, 2001, to reduce the rate of USERRA complaints, including:*2

providing briefings and technical assistance to almost 307,000 service members and others on USERRA;
providing an interactive Web site at www.dol.gov/elaws/userra.htm.

Listen to the audio news release.

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References

*1. U. S. Department of Labor. 'A profile of the Secretary,' "A search of 'u s secretary of labor elaine chao' on the Google.com," (December 16, 2005), Mountain View, California: Google.com.
*2. Ibid.

OPA News Release: [12/09/2005]
Contact Name: Stephanie Cathcart
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-2325-NAT

Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Former Director of the Peace Corps And Former President of the United Way of America, On Bureau of Labor Statistics Survey on Volunteerism in 2005
WASHINGTON�U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement on data released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regarding volunteering in the United States:

"Today's report affirms again America's unique spirit of volunteerism and generosity which was so evident this year in the outpouring of support for victims of disasters at home and abroad. As former President of the United Way of America, I have seen the power of compassion in making a difference in peoples' lives, for those who give as well as receive. During this holiday season, I hope we will remember and celebrate the blessings of our nation, and continue to give of ourselves to help those in need."

The data shows that 65.4 million people provided some sort of volunteer services this year, and more than 28 percent of the population volunteers through or for an organization.

News Release
Printer-Friendly Version

OPA News Release: [12/06/2005]
Contact Name: Lisa Kruska or Stephanie Cathcart
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-2296-NAT

Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao On Productivity and Costs

WASHINGTON?U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement on Productivity and Costs, Third Quarter 2005, revised:

?Today's numbers on productivity growth are twice the average for the 1990s, showing that our economy is strong and that the American workforce is the reason for that strength. Higher productivity is the key to U.S. competitiveness and helps to raise the standard of living for American workers.?

Speeches by Secretary Elaine L.Chao
Printer-Friendly Version

Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Salute to Veterans
U.S. Department of Labor
Thursday, November 10, 2005

Thank you, Chick [Ciccolella, Assistant Secretary, Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS)].

And let me thank Captain John Smathers for leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Daniel Austin for that beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.

Welcome, everyone, to the U.S. Department of Labor's annual Salute to Veterans.

I want to welcome General Errol Schwartz, the Deputy Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, and William A. Chatfield, the Director of the U.S. Selective Service. Thank you both for joining us here today.

I want to thank the courageous soldiers who have joined us today from Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They are the very best our country has to offer and we are deeply honored to have them join us here today. Let's give them a warm welcome.

And let me congratulate the United States Marine Corps on its 230th anniversary, which is today. Throughout our country's history, the Marines have led the way in the cause of freedom and democracy. We are very proud of them.

It is a great honor to salute our veterans every year, as we mark this special Veterans Day holiday. In fact, President Bush has declared this week National Veterans Awareness Week.

Our nation must never forget that veterans are the reason why we enjoy the freedoms we have today. I am especially proud to salute the more than 3,200 veterans, Reservists and National Guard members working here at the Labor Department. Some of you are in the audience today. We thank you for your service.

I also want to give a special salute to our country's active duty military men and women. They are serving in harm's way in Iraq, Afghanistan, in many other faraway places and across the homeland. When they are not defending freedom abroad, they are bringing comfort to many here at home, helping victims of the hurricanes. Along with the soldiers from Walter Reed, are there any other active duty military here today? Will you please stand, so we can see you? Thank you.

We are proud of our active duty soldiers and our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to defend and promote freedom and democracy. They have given us so much. Now, it's our turn to be there for them.

At the Department of Labor, we are doing everything possible to help veterans transition to the civilian workforce and to protect the rights of returning members of the National Guard and Reserves.

The Labor Department is responsible for enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA). That's the law that protects the jobs, health insurance coverage and pension benefits of our citizen-soldiers. And we're in the process of making this law more user friendly, so that employers and employees know in plain English just what protections the law provides.

Last month, the Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This agreement strengthens our cooperative efforts to protect the jobs and benefits of National Guard and Reserve service members when they return from duty.

At that same event, it was my pleasure to join with war hero and former Senator Bob Dole to kick off the new �Hire Veterans First� campaign. We want employers to �Hire Vets First� when they're looking for highly skilled talent and workplace leaders.

And today I am pleased to make two announcements to strengthen the Labor Department's efforts on the behalf of our nation's veterans.

First, I want to announce a new feature to the REALifelines program launched last fall. REALifelines provides one-on-one employment counseling to wounded and injured service members as they return to civilian life. Through REALifelines, these soldiers are given the personal attention they need and deserve. In the past year, this personal service has helped many transitioning wounded and injured soldiers get jobs and job training.

We want to make this program more accessible to help even more soldiers. And so today, I'm announcing the e-Laws Real Lifelines Advisor. With this new online tool, veterans preparing to enter the civilian workforce can access helpful information and get customized advice to address their individual needs. This special service can be found on the VETS section of the Department's Web site at www.dol.gov.

Today, we are also announcing the Key to Career Success campaign. This will help veterans leverage the power of the nation's network of 3,500 One-Stop Career Centers. Vets who come into these centers will be given priority service to pursue employment and training opportunities. For those of you who aren't familiar with this network, let me give you a quick summary. It's a nationwide network of government-funded employment centers in every state and major community in our nation. It's staffed with caring professionals who want to help. Deputy Assistant Secretary Mason Bishop will share more about this new effort in a few minutes.

President George W. Bush, his Administration and this Department are so proud of our men and women in uniform. We recognize the tremendous debt that our country owes you, which can never be repaid. We also understand that the brave soldiers who serve in our nation's armed forces, do so voluntarily. You serve because you love this country. You are the champions of freedom, without whom the world would be a much more dangerous place. So, as we celebrate Veterans Day, let me reiterate this Administration's profound gratitude and our commitment to help you access the opportunities you have done so much to protect.

May God bless you. And may God bless America.

Now, it is my pleasure to introduce Linda Springer, the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

As the President's chief human capital advisor, Director Springer is the steward of the Merit System Principles and Veteran's Preference. These principles help make the Federal workforce a welcoming environment for our nation's veterans. Director Springer brings a wealth of corporate experience and expertise to her role as OPM Director and this Administration is fortunate to count her as a member of the President's team.

She is also responsible for the operating status of the Federal government during national and/or natural disasters, including calling snow days. So, let's give her a very warm welcome.

[[[(DOL photo/Neshan Naltchayan)
Event photo details...]]]

CHICAGO, Nov. 9 � U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today hosted the 2005 Opportunity Conference for Asian Pacific, Hispanic, and African Americans in Chicago. The full-day conference was designed to inform small business owners, non-profit, and faith-based organizations and community leaders about the many opportunities available to these growing segments of the 21st century workforce.*1

Chao�s keynote address highlighted the Department of Labor's outreach efforts to inform previously underserved communities about local, state and federal grant, contracting and partnership opportunities.

"For traditionally under-served communities, we hope this conference provides the networking, skills enhancement and training opportunities that will help individuals and organizations grow and succeed," said Chao. �I hope the organizations attending this meeting today will help the department spread the good news to their members about the tremendous array of resources available to help them seek new opportunities.�*2

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References

*1. Office of the U. S. Secretary of Labor. 'A press release,' "An e-mail from Office of the U. S. Secretary of Labor to Dr. Tony Lei," (November 14, 2005), Washington, D. C.: U. S. Department of Labor.
*2. Ibid.

News Release
Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [11/04/2005]
Contact Name: Lisa Kruska
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-2132-NAT

Statement of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao On October Employment Numbers
WASHINGTON? U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the following statement on the October employment situation released today:

?Today's numbers show that despite the devastating battering of three recent hurricanes, the fundamentals of the economy are still strong. The unemployment rate fell to 5%, our economy still continues to add jobs, and average hourly earnings increased.?

EBSA News Release: [10/31/2005]
Contact Name: David James or Gloria Della
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x8671
Release Number: 05-2087-ATL

U.S. Labor Department Extends Annual Reports Deadline After Hurricane Wilma Hits Florida
ATLANTA � In the wake of destruction in Florida from Hurricane Wilma, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today announced an extension of the deadline for filing Form 5500 and Form 5500-EZ annual report/returns.

President Bush has declared a major disaster in 20 counties in the state due to the damage caused by the hurricane. The extension applies to plan administrators, employers and other entities located in areas directly affected, as identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The extension also applies to firms located outside the affected areas who are unable to obtain the necessary information from service providers, banks or insurance companies whose operations were directly affected by the hurricane.

If the president declares additional counties eligible for individual assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, this extension will also apply to them.

Under this relief, Form 5500 series filings required to be submitted between Oct. 23, 2005 and Feb. 28, 2006, are granted an extension until Feb. 28, 2006. Plan filers entitled to an extension of relief should check Part I, Box D, on the Form 5500 or Part 1 on Form 5500-EZ and attach a statement to the form in accordance with the instructions.

For more information about disaster relief, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-621-3362 or (202) 621-FEMA or the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov under "Disaster Area Tax Relief. Filers who have additional questions may contact the EBSA's EFAST Help Line at 1-866-463-3278.

U.S. Department of Labor Awards $125 Million in Competition for the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants

{{{ETA News Release: [10/19/2005]
Contact Name: Stephanie Cathcart or David James
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 05-1932-NAT}}}

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $125 million to 70 community colleges competing for the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants. As part of the national response to Hurricane Katrina, the department gave preference to competitive applications from Gulf Coast and Southeast colleges whose programs will be critical to rebuilding the regional economy.

"The President's Community-Based Job Training Initiative helps workers get the training they need to access good paying jobs in high growth industries," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "As the Gulf region rebuilds from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, these grants will help the economic redevelopment of this region by building the pool of skilled workers necessary to attract new industries."

First introduced by President Bush in his 2004 State of the Union Address, Community-Based Job Training Grants will support workforce training for high growth industries through the nation's community and technical colleges. Projects receiving funding cover high growth industries including healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing and energy.

The 70 grants awarded today will fund projects in the following 40 states: Ala., Alaska, Ariz., Ark., Calif., Colo., Conn., Fla., Ga., Iowa, Idaho, Ill., Ind., Ky., La., Mass., Md., Maine, Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Mont., N.C., N.D., Neb., N.H., N.J., N.Y., Ohio, Ore., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Va., Wash., Wis., W.Va. and Wyo.

"Community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet industries' needs for a well-qualified workforce of tomorrow," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "These grants will build on the foundation laid by the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative and prepare workers for careers in industries with the greatest demand in their local areas."

The primary purpose of the Community-Based Job Training Grants is to build community colleges' capacity to equip workers with the skills local industries require for success. Training will prepare workers for jobs expected to experience high growth and industries where demand for qualified workers is exceeding supply. A solicitation for grant applications announced May 3 led to the submission of 388 applications to the Labor Department.

For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs and the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants, please visit www.doleta.gov.