Jason Kander Hosts Roundtable Discussion on Trade Policy with Labor Leaders and Members

Press Release

This afternoon, Jason Kander joined with Missouri labor leaders and members to discuss the impact of trade deals on Missouri's working families.

During the roundtable discussion, which took place at UAW Local 249 outside of Kansas City, Jason spoke with labor leaders and members on a number of pressing issues facing Missouri workers. Topics of discussion included the impact of international trade deals, the passage of fast track legislation for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and support for manufacturing jobs in Missouri.

Jason believes that the livelihoods of American workers come before the interests of big business, and has promised to only support international trade that is a good deal for Missouri. Throughout his career, Jason has fought to keep jobs in Missouri. Some of his past work includes:

Cosponsoring the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act as a state representative. The bill, which created incentives for businesses to stay in Missouri, has been credited with saving $1.29B for Missouri businesses, adding or retaining 14,000 auto jobs and supporting 21,000 related ones;

Speaking out against corporate interests. Jason was the first 2016 Senate challenger to speak out against the Trans-Pacific Partnership because it would hurt Missouri working families; and

Supporting trade deals that would help create new markets for American goods, such as the removal of the trade embargo with Cuba, which has the potential to significantly benefit Missouri agriculture.

"The failure of Congress to protect American workers and businesses has become an all too common occurrence in Washington. Poorly constructed, unfair trade deals have made it easier for countries like China to take jobs from the United States. As a country, we can no longer tolerate the systemic selling out of America's middle class," Jason said. "My opponent Senator Blunt has made it all too clear where he stands on this issue, voting eight times in favor of trade deals that would export American jobs. We can -- and we must -- do better to support working families and stop approving bad trade deals."

"Time and again, Senator Blunt has voted for trade agreements that enrich international corporations at the expense of Missouri's working families, outsourcing American jobs to the highest bidder," said Duke Dujakovich, President of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO. "Fortunately, Missouri's working families have a true ally to vote for this November. Jason Kander has long been a vocal and outspoken advocate for working Missourians and he isn't afraid to take on the special interests. I am proud to support Jason Kander for U.S. Senate."

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