P.M. BRIEFING : Displaced Workers Aid Sought
The government should give special help to workers who lose their jobs because of policies on clean air, protecting the spotted owl and cutting defense, lawmakers said today.
“As important as it is to reduce defense expenditures and to increase our drive to protect the natural environment, it is also important that we make every effort not to do so at the expense of American workers and their families,” said Rep. Pete Stark (D-Oakland).
Stark, who spoke before the House Ways and Means human resources subcommittee, is co-sponsor with Rep. Thomas J. Downey (D-N.Y.) of a proposal to provide cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs due to new environmental or military spending policies.
The Bush Administration opposes the legislation, saying that unemployment benefits should be the same for everyone.
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