Media Advisory: New York State Reacts to Staggering Unemployment Numbers in New York City

• by New York State Department of Labor

ALBANY, NY (07/03/2009)(readMedia)-- "As Governor Paterson often says, we are a state rich with resources, the most impressive of which is our human capital. We need to invest in that capital here in New York City, and let it grow. That is the ultimate goal of these initiatives, funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."

- State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith

The national unemployment rate for June 2009 is 9.5 percent, the highest such rate since August 1983.

On Monday, July 6, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith and Chairman Charles Rangel will be holding a press conference at Modell's Sporting Goods in Harlem to talk about a number of programs that employers can tap into to help them weather the storm in light of the current economic climate. These programs include the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (which Modell's currently takes advantage of), training programs funded in part by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, as well as an alternative to layoffs that continues to grow.

WHEN: Monday, July 6, 2009 - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Modell's Sporting Goods

300 West 125th Street

New York, NY 10027

WHO: State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith

Chairman Charles Rangel

Thomas Tilley, Senior Vice-President, Modell's Sporting Goods

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