Congressional Testimony on the Effectiveness of Trade Adjustment Assistance and Suggestions for Improving the Program

Authors

Louis S. Jacobson, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchFollow

Publication Date

8-1-1991

Series

Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 92-12

DOI

10.17848/wp92-12

Abstract

In this testimony, I will sketch key findings from research that I conducted with others, bearing on the justification and effectiveness of trade adjustment assistance. Most economists agree that protecting workers from the negative consequences of the North American Free Trade Agreement is appropriate, since we believe that a measure is unambiguously good only when some benefit, but no one is hurt. ... Thus, my central policy conclusion is that the combination of UI and TAA does a good job in protecting the majority of trade impacted workers. But available funds would be better spent by helping dislocated workers find jobs, particularly by adequately funding the employment service.

Issue Date

August 1, 1991

Note

Testimony (p. 1-3); Prepared statement submitted for the record (p. 4-14); [P. 1-3] reprinted in: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, August 1, 1991, 102nd Congress, 1st Session, Serial 102-56, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office

Subject Areas

LABOR MARKET ISSUES; Job security and unemployment dynamics; Dislocated workers; INTERNATIONAL ISSUES; Globalization; Trade issues