US sec'y says MI among first getting job grants

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

East Lansing, MI – East Lansing, MI (MPRN) - U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says more money is coming to Michigan to help displaced auto workers. The labor secretary announced the state qualified for accelerated payments from the National Emergency Grant program because it has the nation's highest jobless rate, and it has programs ready to help retrain workers.

Some of the $6 million will also help pay for jobless benefits for 1500 workers.

Solis toured a lithium-ion battery plant in Macomb County before she addressed a green jobs conference in Lansing. She says people need to be patient, but the economy will recover. Solis says she hopes jobs in alternative energy and green manufacturing will help make Michigan an exporter of high-tech products.