Missouri getting $6M for green jobs training

The Show-Me State is receiving a federal stimulus grant to prepare workers for the green economy.

Missouri Division of Workforce Development is receiving $6 million through the U.S. Department of Labor's State Energy Sector Partnership and Training grant program, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill's office said Wednesday.

The grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, pays for education and training for low-income, low-skilled workers to move into green industries including energy-efficient building and construction and energy-efficiency assessment. Missouri will use the money to target military veterans, unemployed workers and workers in other struggling industries.

McCaskill said stimulus funding is being allocated through existing federal programs like this one, instead of through earmarks, to ensure proper distribution and accountability. The state also offers online tracking of state spending and revenue, including stimulus funding, through the Missouri Accountability Portal.