Reauthorizing Trade Adjustment Assistance

WM Trade: Reauthorizing Trade Adjustment Assistance: Opportunities for Equitable Access and Modernization, March 4, 2021

The most important step in this process is making sure unions are strengthened. Without a strong labor movement, the program will wither away and die. They are the key to its success. All members, including leadership, must be up to date on the latest technology. If they are, jobs may not be lost to trade in the first place. 

If a subtraction value added tax is adopted in tax reform, employers would get a credit for providing this training. If not, it should be an offset to their quarterly corporate or estimated tax payment. Please see our updated attachment on tax reform.

When job losses are unavoidable, undergoing training should be compensated at the prior wage and not limited to technical retraining. Some individuals are ready for pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. If they are, pay for it while also paying them to meet their opportunity costs.

Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee.  We are, of course, available for direct testimony or to answer questions by members and staff. 

Attachment – Tax Reform, March 4, 2021