WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rand Paul today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Labor’s announcement to grant Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program eligibility to the unemployed personnel at AK Steel’s Ashland Works plant in Ashland, Kentucky.

“After making several official inquiries on behalf of the unemployed workers and families in the Ashland community, I am extremely pleased today to hear of the Department of Labor’s decision to grant AK Steel’s Ashland Works plant eligibility to obtain TAA benefits and services. I made a commitment to the community to monitor this situation and aid in any way possible, and will continue to do so,” Sen. Paul said.

Following AK Steel’s announcement of major layoffs at the Ashland Works plant in October 2015, Sen. Paul has worked closely with the Ashland delegation and community leaders to monitor the situation and has made several official inquiries into TAA assistance on behalf of AK Steel’s unemployed workers. Benefits of the TAA program will include: reemployment services to help workers obtain new employment, weekly income support payments, and eligibility for tax credits to cover health insurance premiums.

###