WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that employees of Lexis Nexis in Miamisburg are eligible to apply for trade adjustment assistance through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), with eligibility continuing for up to two years after the March 6, 2015 date of certification. DOL extended eligibility to Lexis Nexis workers in the Training Solutions Group who helped produce software and content training materials and curriculum.

“The loss of a job can be a devastating experience,” Brown said.  “Ohioans who work hard and play by the rules should not be left to struggle when they lose their job through no fault of their own. These resources will help ensure that displaced workers in Miamisburg receive the financial support and training opportunities needed for a fresh start.”

Trade Adjustment Assistance is a federal program that identifies workers who lose their jobs or whose work hours and wages are reduced as a result of trade, and aids them in obtaining new employment. The program extends benefits including training for employment in another job or career, income support, job search allowances, and relocation allowances. Qualified workers may quickly return to work through a combination of these services. 

Brown has been a long-time advocate for the TAA program and efforts to ensure that workers have the training and tools they need to fill jobs in high-growth industries. Last month, Brown introduced the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act to provide long-term authorization for TAA while expanding eligibility for workers.

In November 2014, Brown successfully led a group of 14 senators in calling on the Senate Appropriations Committee to maintain funding for the TAA program so workers could continue to receive benefits through September 2015. In February 2011, Brown led 13 senators in urging House leadership to extend TAA. As one of the last acts before 111th Congress adjourned, Brown secured a six-week extension of the TAA program, in addition to the HCTC.

Brown has also defended the HCTC – to help retirees maintain affordable health care and benefits after the companies they worked for moved overseas or entered bankruptcy. Earlier this month, Brown introduced legislation to extend HCTC for five years and to retroactively cover workers since the HCTC lapsed in January 2014.

 

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