WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today announced the decision by the U.S. Department of Labor to certify former Riley Power workers in the Erie area for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).
“This is encouraging news for those who lost their jobs at Riley Power,” said Senator Casey.  “Being granted this Trade Adjustment Assistance will allow for these workers to have access to retraining programs, a Health Coverage Tax Credit as well as other support that will help them get back on their feet in these tough economic times.  Given the significant job losses Erie has suffered during this recession, this decision is an important step for these workers to move on with their careers and to help support the local economy.”
TAA is a program to provide a variety of training, job search and relocation allowances, as well as income and health insurance support to workers who have lost their jobs due to foreign competition.  TAA helps workers to find new jobs or careers quickly and helps protect the workers and their families while they are unemployed.In July, Senator Casey sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor to support the Riley Power workers’ petition.