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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Nicole
Reigelman |
State Rep. Mark Cohen |
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Cohen proposes committee on trade policy
HARRISBURG, April 19 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has introduced a plan that would give the legislature a voice in international trade agreements that affect the Commonwealth.
Cohen said his proposal (H.R. 226) would establish a Select Committee on Trade Policy to be tasked with studying trade policies. It also would create a mechanism for the state legislature to offer a response to trade agreements proposed by the federal government.
Under current policy, a state’s governor receives copies of the proposed trade agreements from the federal government for comments. Cohen said his plan would allow for rapid analysis and response from the legislature, giving lawmakers a voice in what is deadline-driven process.
The governor would be charged with supplying copies of the proposed agreements to the committee.
“International trade has an enormous effect on Pennsylvania’s economy. It affects job growth and employment, alters costs for consumers and impacts competition for state-produced goods,” Cohen said. “In order to represent constituents and their interests, legislators should know about proposed trade agreements and be able to offer comments in advance.”
Cohen said if approved, Pennsylvania would join other states including North Carolina, Maine, California and Washington, which have created committees to provide legislative oversight of trade agreements.
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