 Our community is unified in working to assist the skilled workforce affected by recent production suspensions and aerospace layoffs through the Air Capital Commitment, a coordinated effort formed to support impacted workers and our aviation industry.
Together with partners at the local and state level, we want to make sure workers and families have the resources they need while also ensuring the grounded aircraft causing these layoffs can safely return to the skies without any unnecessary delays.
Assistance with a Federal Agency
During this time of uncertainty and transition, my office is prepared to assist workers dealing with various federal agencies, such as the IRS, Veterans Affairs, Social Security, Department of Labor, and others. Although I cannot override the decisions made by a federal agency, I can often intervene on a person's behalf to answer questions, find solutions, or just cut through the red tape.
Assistance is available to all constituents of the 4th District of Kansas, regardless of whether the recent production halt has impacted you.
To begin this process, please complete a privacy authorization form or contact our office at (316)262-8992.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
The U.S. Department of Labor has certified three Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) petitions for Spirit AeroSystems, Cox Machine Inc., Axiom Engineering and on-site leased workers affected by recent production halts. TAA benefits include job training, health coverage tax credits and other reemployment services.
Affected Spirit AeroSystems and on-site leased workers interested in benefits through the TAA program can learn more and apply at a local American Job Center. Some locations include: Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 N. Amidon, Suite 1100, Wichita, Kansas 67203; KansasWorks Newton, 203 E. Broadway, Newton, Kansas 67114; Butler Workforce Center, 524 N. Main, El Dorado, Kansas 67042; Cowley County Workforce Center, 108 East 12th St., Winfield, Kansas 67156; and Sumner County Workforce Center, 314 North Washington, Wellington, Kansas 67152. More information about American Job Centers is available at careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/service-locator.aspx.
A full description of benefits is available at doleta.gov/tradeact/benefits/2015-amendment-benefits.cfm.
A list of frequently asked questions regarding TAA can be found at doleta.gov/tradeact/petitioners/FAQ_Answers.cfm.
The TAA certifications are applicable for workers of Spirit AeroSystems Inc., including on-site leased workers from Acro Service Corporation, Aerotek, Aircraft Technology Group, Axius Group, Donatech Corporation, Hi-Tek Professionals, iCONMA, Indotronix International Corporation, LanceSoft Inc., Launch Technical, LSI Staffing, Mentis, PDS Technical, Strom Aviation, Systemart, The Arnold Group, US Professional, Yoh Aerospace & Defense, CTS International, Compunnel Software Group Inc., Johnson Service, and United Global Technologies, and Cox Machine Inc., including on-site leased workers from Summit Employment Professionals, and The Arnold Group, and Axiom Engineering, including on-site leased workers from LaborMax. For specific dates of impacted workers and benefits, please view or download the full TAA certifications here.
Working with the FAA
I will continue to work with the FAA to ensure grounded aircraft causing layoffs in our area can safely return to the skies.
I wrote to the FAA earlier this year urging the agency to define and clarify standards for recertifying the Boeing 737 MAX. As aircraft safety remains the top priority, I also want to ensure the FAA uses a defined process so that recertification can be completed without unnecessary delays that will harm workers and the aviation industry.
You can read my letter to the FAA here.
Ongoing Discussions with Producers and Stakeholders
As the Air Capital of the World, restoring production safely and timely is critical. I have been in contact with Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Airlines for America and countless supply chain manufacturers. As we discuss this production halt, these aircraft manufacturers and consumers are keeping me and my staff up-to-date with timelines and milestones. Together, we want to ensure safety in our skies.
Job Fairs, Education, Training, Starting Your Own Business and Other Services
As a part of the Air Capital Commitment, I'm encouraged to see Kansans standing together during the production halt that has ripple effects on workers throughout south central Kansas. There are many resources available to workers and families, including job fairs, education, training and resources to help start your own business.
To see a list of resources and how our community is rallying around you, visit aircapitaloftheworld.com/commitment.
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