As many small businesses struggle to get through the economic crisis, a Monday morning announcement brought good news for many laid-off workers.

At a news conference in White Plains, Rep. Nita Lowey and State Labor Commissioner Patricia Smith announced that federal stimulus money is now available for retraining workers.

The new program will provide tax credits and other incentives to encourage businesses to utilize retraining. The hope is that the program will reduce unemployment rates, while helping workers prepare for recovery after the recession.