Van Hollen, Cardin, and Trone Announce Approval of Maryland’s Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Application for Luke Mill Workers

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen Senators Ben Cardin and Representative David Trone (all D-MD) announced Maryland’s Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) application for Verso was approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The trio submitted a letter supporting Maryland’s application on May 13th. The bipartisan letter expresses the strongest support for the application that the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) sent on behalf of the workers at Luke Mill.

“The sudden closure of the Verso paper mill has left hundreds of families out in the cold, and I’ve been working with Team Maryland from day one to provide help. I’m pleased that the application for Trade Adjustment Assistance has been approved, as it will provide crucial relief to the community as it moves forward. I was proud to support this federal assistance and will continue to fight for the residents of Luke and all of the paper mill employees,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“TAA approval is welcome news for Verso’s employees and the community of Luke, who deserved much better than having their lives upended by the shutdown of the paper mill,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland came together to support TAA designation, which will help with retraining and health care costs. These benefits will help ease the burden of a community reeling from years of unfair foreign competition and ownership disruptions. We will continue to support the local community as they confront the many challenges resulting from the loss of this significant regional employer and look toward the next chapter for the Luke mill.”  

"The workers of Luke Mill are among the hardest-working and most dedicated employees in the country," said Rep. Trone. "This grant will help provide education, training, and support these workers as they fight for their future.  I am proud of Maryland’s collaborative effort to secure these vital resources. I will always proudly stand behind the workers of Luke Mill."

Verso announced that it would close its paper mill in Luke, Maryland on April 30, 2019. TAA will be essential in providing the approximately 675 Verso employees the resources they need to gain employment after the closure of the mill.

See a copy of the delegation’s letter here.

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