COLLINS RELEASES STATEMENT ON AMERICAN SHOE CLOSING

"I was very disappointed to learn that American Shoe closed its Skowhegan plant without advance notice, leaving 54 Maine employees suddenly out of work and apparently without severance pay. This is another severe blow to Mainers in a region that has been very hard hit with job losses in the past few years.

"American Shoe workers have proven to be a skilled and loyal workforce that has contributed to Maine's rich heritage of crafting high quality shoes. It is troubling when these dedicated people lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

"I have contacted the U.S. and Maine Departments of Labor to express my concern and to offer my assistance in securing federal resources for support and job training for these dislocated workers."