WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) and U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has granted their request to make Kennett employees who lost their jobs at Emerson Motor Technologies, Industrial Motors Division eligible for a federal program.  The Trade Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance programs are in place to provide extra benefits to skilled workers whose employers relocate operations in foreign countries, leaving a regional void in the workers’ specialty. 

 

Emerson, Bond and Talent made the request of the Dept. of Labor on October 7, 2005.

 

“Many of the Kennett employees possess very specialized training and, as a result, it may be especially difficult for them to transition to another job that is suitable for their years of experience, solid work ethic and strong skill set.   TAA eligibility enables those Southern Missourians to make ends meet for a little while longer.  Every little bit helps, and this unique situation is exactly the scenario Senator Talent, Senator Bond and I feel is appropriate for the TAA and ATAA programs,” Rep. Emerson said.

 

“We are doing everything we can to help these workers,” said U.S. Senator Jim Talent. “Our first priority was to request financial assistance and job training for those impacted by Emerson Electric’s announcement. Together with Sen. Bond and Rep. Emerson we were able to get our request for assistance approved in about a week. Kennett is a great community with great people, and I want to make certain as many opportunities as possible are available for these workers.”

 

"This is good news for people who need good news," said U.S. Senator Kit Bond.  "These dollars will provide much needed relief and help the hard-working folks in Kennett get back on their feet."

 

This week, the Dept. of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance declared: