Aguilar Introduces Bill to Help Small Businesses Compete in Global Economy by Sarah Weinstein - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ OCTOBER ►
S M T W T F S
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
04 05 06 07 08 09 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
View Events
Submit Events

Aguilar Introduces Bill to Help Small Businesses Compete in Global Economy

By Sarah Weinstein, Community Writer
January 19, 2016 at 03:27pm. Views: 224

Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-31) recently introduced his latest bill, H.R. 4142, the Displaced Jobs Relief Act of 2015, which will boost resources for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA-F) program. The TAA for Firms program, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers technical assistance to businesses that—because of foreign competition—have seen significant job and sales losses. The bill increases funding authorization for the program per fiscal year from $16 million to $50 million, starting in 2016 and running through 2021. In 2009, authorization levels were set at $50 million until House Republicans cut funding levels to $16 million in Fiscal Year 2011. “As the Inland Empire fights its way back from the Great Recession, we need to make sure that we use every tool available to help our businesses recover. Small businesses were dealt heavy blows in the past decade, both from our weakened economy and from flawed trade agreements. International trade plays an important role in our economy, but history has taught us that not all agreements are fair. Sometimes they take a toll on local businesses that don’t have the ability to handle unfair foreign competition,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “That’s why I introduced this bill. Trade Adjustment Assistance has played a crucial part in retraining and placing Americans in good-paying jobs for generations. If we increase the available funds, we can help protect hardworking Americans from losing business to unfair competition overseas.” Once businesses apply for assistance, selected firms are paired with their local Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAAC) to craft an economic recovery plan to help their businesses compete. The plan must be completely implemented within five years. Regional TAACs provide some financial assistance; however this is in a supportive role, not as the sole provider. Between 2007 and 2015, over 1,200 firms with total annual sales of nearly $20 billion and a combined workforce of over one hundred thousand employees benefited from Trade Adjustment Assistance. California’s regional center, the Western Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (WTAAC), has worked with over 700 businesses in its region and has specifically assisted firms in 51 of the 53 Congressional Districts, including the 31st. Getting San Bernardino County’s economy back on track is Rep. Aguilar’s top priority. That’s why weeks after taking office he convened regional Jobs Roundtables throughout the Inland Empire and released his Jobs Plan shortly thereafter. This is Rep. Aguilar’s latest bill to help businesses in the community recover and put residents back to work. Earlier this year he introduced the On-the-Job Training Tax Credit Act, which has received bipartisan support, and in July he introduced the Small Business Jobs Act. The text of the Displaced Jobs Relief Act can be read here and his remarks on the House Floor can be viewed here.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

October 7, 2026 at 10:47am. Views: 742

Moreno Valley fire officials keep a watchful eye on dry vegetation near local neighborhoods as fall inspections focus on reducing wildfire hazards and helping residents protect their homes before dangerous conditions arise. Red more on how to stay compliant and keep hazards at bay...

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:06am. Views: 316

An emergency preparedness representative speaks with a family at an outdoor earthquake safety information booth. A large Great California ShakeOut banner and displays explaining earthquake safety are visible beside emergency supplies, including a backpack, flashlight, water, and first-aid kit

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

November 30, -0001 at 12:00am. Views: 87

Young adults speak with a female public health outreach worker at an outdoor information table beside a mobile health services vehicle. Educational brochures and health resources are displayed, with a youth center building in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 334

A healthcare worker assists a resident during a community health outreach event. San Bernardino County's Wellness on Wheels program offers testing and preventive health resources at locations throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 299

A female safety instructor demonstrates how to secure a young girl in a child car seat while the child's mother and older brother watch beside an open vehicle door. A child car seat safety education banner is visible in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 355

Redlands Police uniform patch beside a ceremonial police cap, framed recognition plaque, and white flowers. Police patrol vehicles, American and California flags, and a police department building appear in the background at sunset, symbolizing Police Chief Rachel Tolber's retirement after 28 years of service.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 184

Festive University of Redlands Homecoming celebration, with alumni, students, and families gathered on campus wearing maroon Bulldogs apparel. A bulldog mascot greets attendees while cheerleaders and a marching band perform near decorated tents and balloons, with university buildings and mountains in the background.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 276

Redlands Planning Commission meeting, with commissioners seated at a council dais as a presenter discusses proposed development plans. Maps, architectural renderings, American and California flags, and a City of Redlands emblem appear in the background while community members observe the proceedings.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Amanda Spencer, Contributing Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 293

Image depicting visitors entering the Museum of Redlands beneath a banner announcing its October 24 opening. The historic-style building features cream-colored columns, vintage photographs, landscaped gardens, and mountains in the background, symbolizing 26 years of community efforts to preserve Redlands history

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Hattie Strong, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 353

A resident and a volunteer wearing a reflective safety vest place an old wooden cabinet into a large blue disposal container. Other volunteers and residents unload household items from vehicles at an outdoor collection site, with mountains in the background

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 306

Outdoor internet access can help residents complete schoolwork, search for employment and stay connected while enjoying Moreno Valley's public spaces.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

October 14, 2026 at 11:03am. Views: 346

An older man practices walking between parallel bars while a female physical therapist in navy-blue scrubs provides support in a bright rehabilitation center. Exercise equipment and other patients are visible in the background.

--> -->