The Forum on Democracy & Trade

New TAA Programs Come into Effect Today

Mon, 18 May 2009

Provisions in the stimulus bill expanded eligibility and increased funding to help workers and firms with Trade Adjustment Assistance.

Meeting on Investment Reform 22 Apr 2009

Attached handouts

Ron Kirk Nominated to be USTR

President-elect Barack Obama has nominated former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to be America�s top trade official. The United States Trade Representative carries an Ambassador�s rank and is a cabinet-level post.

USTR Says It Will Limit WTO Notification

A senior negotiator told states that USTR will modify its procedures for notifying the WTO about how states regulate trade in goods.

Gov. Gregoire letter to US Trade Representative

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire outlined her concerns with the Investor-state dispute resolution system in a 2005 letter.

H.B. No. 2199 - A Bill for an Act Relating to International Trade Agreements

An Act which would prohibit the binding of state government programs to procurement rules contained in an international trade agreement without legislative action.

How does the WTO agreement on government procurement impact human rights criteria for state purchasing decisions?

A Massachusetts law meant to discourage businesses from doing business with the brutal Burmese dictatorship has conflicted with international trade rules on government procurement.

The Boston Tea Party Revisited: Massachusetts Boycotts Burma

Robert Stumberg and William Warren's 1999 article in State Legislatures Magazine.

Chinese Trade Practices and Maine Paper Mills

How effective are current mechanisms for state/federal consultation related to unfair Chinese trade practices resulting in paper industry layoffs?

Letter on GATS and Federal/State Consultation

Gov. Baldacci writes USTR to express concern that federal negotiators have inadequately consulted with state authorities, endangering Maine's healthcare programs.

Letter Notifying USTR that Maine Does Not Consent to Procurement in FTAs

Gov. Baldacci sights concerns that the procurement provisions of the Free Trade Agreements with Panama and the Andean Community would harm Maine's state policies.

China Alleges that a Maryland Bill to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning Could Violate WTO Rules

A look at the allegations by the Peoples Republic of China that a Bill, Introduced by Del. Jim Hubbard in the Maryland House of Delegates to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning, Could Violate World Trade Organization Rules.

NAFTA Chapter 11 Investor-State Disputes

Scott Sinclair of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives has summarized all NAFTA Chapter 11 cases through January 1, 2008.

Minimum Standard of Treatment

Ambiguous language in investment chapters of trade agreements allows foreign investors to challenge local government actions.

Expropriation

Explanation of expropriation obligations found in international investment agreements, as compared with takings provisions in US law.