Industry presses for trade program extension

Industry presses for trade program extension    A group of 17 trade associations and companies want Capitol Hill lawmakers to extend the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program beyond its expiration on Dec. 31.
   The group reminded lawmakers that in early 2009 Republicans and Democrats in both the House and Senate 'found common ground' to authorize TAA through 2010 and make benefits in the program more flexible and accessible.
   'As the U.S. economy struggles to recover from the global economic crisis, TAA is serving more Americans than ever before,' the group said in a Nov. 29 letter to Congress. 'Since the new TAA program went into effect on May 18, 2009, over 360,000 workers affected by more than 3,500 layoffs have been certified to receive TAA benefits.'
   They further noted that TAA for Firms has seen record use this year with a 30 percent increase over fiscal year 2009 in small U.S. manufacturing and service firms being certified. The TAA for Farmers program has helped about 5,000 agricultural producers in the United States improve their competitiveness.

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   'An effective TAA program that gives displaced workers the skills and resources they need to re-enter the job market is a central element of U.S. trade policy and key to future U.S. competitiveness,' the group said.
   'It is instrumental in helping those whose jobs have been adversely affected by trade acquire new skills and new opportunities for employment,' said Bill Reinsch, National Foreign Trade Council president, in a statement. 'We urge members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to put politics aside and work together to extend the program as soon as possible before the end of the year.'