McIntyre Says: “We must do all we can to help those who have lost their jobs because of free trade agreements.”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre announced today that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to help those workers who have lost their jobs due to plant and factory closings.

Congressman McIntyre stated, “In North Carolina we know first hand the devastating affect that free trade agreements have had on our workers and communities. The bill we passed today will help those who have lost their jobs transition through worker training. North Carolina textile and apparel workers are facing challenging times in an ever competitive global environment, and we must help them as they move forward in securing work and providing for their families.”

The Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007 will:

· expand trade adjustment assistance eligibility to include dislocated workers affected by a shift in production in which the workers’ jobs are moved to nations with no preferential trade agreements, such as China and India;

· increase the Health Coverage Tax Credit to 85% of dislocated workers’ health care premiums; and

· make changes to simplify the application process for dislocated workers so they can get help in a timely manner.