Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced he has directed the Employment Development Department (EDD) to make available $2 million in job training resources to workers in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties who have lost their jobs because of the recent wildfires.

“Wildfires not only devastate property, but also people’s lives,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “This funding will be an important tool in helping workers who lost their jobs because of the recent fires get back to earning a living and rebuilding their lives.”

The funds come from the “Dislocated Worker” funds the state receives from the federal government through the Workforce Investment Act. The three counties will be able to request these funds once existing resources have been expended to serve workers unemployed because of the fires. Funds may be used for assistance in returning to work such as skills assessments, job search assistance and job training specifically targeted to the local economy.

Yesterday the Governor issued an executive order waiving fees and assisting in recovery efforts for fire victims in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties.

On Monday, the Governor declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to wildfires, and on Wednesday, he declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County.

The Governor has also suspended the statutory one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance applicants who are unemployed due to the wildfire disaster.