Whereas, thousands of unemployed workers in the State are struggling to provide the necessities of life for themselves and their families; and

Whereas, given the high cost of health insurance, it is particularly difficult for unemployed workers to pay for continued health insurance coverage for themselves and family members; and

Whereas, the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002, Public Law 107-210 allows states to apply for grants to help eligible unemployed workers pay for the costs of continued health insurance coverage; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Immediate application for grant. Resolved: That the Department of Labor shall expeditiously apply for a national emergency grant under Section 203 of the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002, Public Law 107-210 and use the grant funds to provide health insurance coverage for eligible unemployed workers as permitted under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002; and be it further

Sec. 2. Ongoing assistance to unemployed workers. Resolved: That the Department of Labor shall develop options for establishing an ongoing program to provide health insurance for all unemployed workers and shall submit a report on the options to the Legislature not later than January 1, 2004. The Joint Standing Committee on Labor is authorized to report out legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature following receipt of the report.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002, Public Law 107-210 provides tax credits for unemployed persons who pay