This report focuses on how state and local workforce offices implemented key provisions of the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act (TGAAA), which was enacted in February 2009. TGAAA amended the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program by expanding eligibility to include service workers (in addition to manufacturing workers), broadening training options, enhancing Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA), expanding eligibility for wage subsidies for older workers, and mandating (and funding) case management services. The data on which the report is chiefly based were compiled during multi-day site visits in late 2009 through Spring of 2010, in 14 states and 28 local One-Stop Career Centers (two in each state) where TAA services were being delivered. During the visits, interviews were conducted with TAA and TRA state coordinators, Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and Employment Services (ES) program heads, TAA fiscal and management information system staff, local office managers, and TAA, ES, and WIA frontline staff.

The report describes how the changes TGAAA made to the TAA program were implemented and the challenges encountered by the respondents. The new program was viewed as potentially very advantageous to workers affected by trade dislocation and implementation was seen as being relatively smooth overall. However, respondents noted some problems related to the staffing of the new case management services and the difficulty of transitioning to a program with new benefits and eligibility rules. Additionally, factors external to the program—particularly the economic downturn and the institution of emergency and extended Unemployment Insurance benefits—significantly delayed or impeded workers’ utilization of some services.