In February 2009, President Obama signed into law The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). Improving the nation's transportation and its infrastructure is the primary purpose of the $787 billion dollars that The Recovery Act provides towards national economic investments.  The goal is to create an environment that allows America to become more energy independent.  That means no longer being at the mercy of other nations for needed resources.  The Recovery Act also allows for reinvesting in educational and training opportunities, to preserve existing jobs and create an estimated 3.5 million more jobs.

The federal government allocated various amounts to each state, to be used for specific major categories.  All the states have been given funds to distribute, more on a local and community level.  Those funds, however, still must be spent in harmony with the major category that they the funds were allocated for.  That is why the Wagner-Peyser Act (Employment and Reemployment Services) can take $47 million out of California’s $535.6 million, and apply it towards services to dislocated workers, older workers, and youth. 

California’s share of the stimulus funds have already begun to be channeled into services that  include paid work experience, summer job programs, training and employment opportunities.  Educational funds also include money for books, supplies and transportation.  California is one state among many that met the requirements to receive funds earmarked for these particular services, as did Wisconsin.  

The generous amounts of monies were well needed, and are by no means given indiscriminately. The Recovery and Reinvestment Act has tried to ensure that state and local agencies that benefit from pieces of the pie, pass those benefits along to the people they service. In this way, state agencies actually benefit by improving on the services they provide.

Of the $7 billion that was made available for unemployment insurance modernization, the Department of Labor released over $130 to Minnesota. Modernization focuses on updating and improving unemployment benefits and services to all recipients. Minnesota’s unemployment insurance policies are in accordance with modernization. Minnesota met the criteria for the funds by allowing workers to use their more recent earningsto qualify for benefits. This policy is in harmony with the Recovery Act for modernization. Other states can also qualify for a share of the funds when they show that their laws provide the necessary provisions outlined in the Unemployment Insurance Modernization Incentive Payment program guidelines.

It is no secret that millions of families all across the nation have been hard hit by the plunging economy. That is why the Recovery Act has made it possible for grant money to become available to individuals that qualify. While the nation was struggling to stay on its feet, many households were forced to discover creative ways to make ends meet. Now, some have found that they are not interested in returning to the same dead end jobs that landed them in the unemployment ranks. That is where the Recovery Act comes in and can benefit individuals. Funds from the stimulus package provide grant money that can help people return to school, learn a new career, or even start their own business. Money is also available for first-time buyers, and homeowners who are overdue for needed home repairs. There is a large resource of federal grant money available to individuals, groups and organizations, when they know where and how to apply.  Visit: http://www.grants.gov