Sec. 2. 26 MRSA §1193-A is enacted to read:

§1193-A.__Exception; trade adjustment assistance

Notwithstanding section 1193, subsection 1, an individual who is otherwise eligible under section 1192 is eligible to receive benefits if that individual:

1.__Prevails upon appeal.__Applies for trade adjustment assistance under section 2051, is initially denied such assistance, appeals that decision and prevails upon appeal; and

2.__Leaves unsuitable work.__Voluntarily leaves work that pays less than 80% of the average weekly wage that was received by that individual in the job that was adversely affected by international trade.

SUMMARY

This bill specifies that an applicant for trade adjustment assistance who is initially denied but ultimately is granted such assistance does not become ineligible for unemployment compensation upon voluntarily leaving a job that pays less than 80% of the average weekly wage received in the individual's previous position.