COLLINS SEEKS HELP FOR DISLOCATED BIDDEFORD BLANKETS WORKERS

WASHINGTON, DC -- Senator Susan Collins has contacted Labor Secretary Elaine Chao to seek assistance for workers who soon will be laid off from their jobs at Biddeford Blankets. Biddeford Blankets made the announcement last week that it would be closing its Biddeford plant. Senator Collins and her office immediately began working to pursue assistance for dislocated workers, including assistance through the US Department of Labor. "This plant closure will impact this community drastically, as the York county area has been particularly hard hit by recent manufacturing losses," wrote Senator Collins in a letter to Labor Secretary, Elaine Chao.

Specifically, Senator Collins has asked the Secretary to expedite a request by the State for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance (ATAA) for employees who are facing layoffs. Both programs would provide cash assistance, job training and job placement services, depending on the eligibility of each individual applicant. "I urge you to act quickly and favorably on these petitions for assistance," wrote Senator Collins.

Senator Collins recently called the news of Biddeford Blankets'' closing a "terrible loss" for the community. She vowed to do everything possible to help minimize the personal and financial impact on workers who will be losing their jobs.