The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) said it welcomed remarks by President Barack Obama during his State of the Union Address outlining his goals to continue rebuilding the U.S. economy, promoting U.S. competitiveness around the world, and creating jobs.
“I applaud President Obama's laudable goals to grow our economy and enhance our ability to compete in the global marketplace,” said AAFA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “I am encouraged by the President's effort to complete the long-awaited free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea. U.S. apparel and footwear industry workers and hardworking American families stand to benefit from these meaningful market opening agreements, not just with the Korea agreement, but also with the pending free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama.”
“As President Obama noted, it is clear that innovation and success are directly linked,” Burke said. “That is why we need to ensure that regulations aimed at keeping consumers safe do not strangle the innovative and creative spirit. We look forward to working with the Obama Administration, congressional leaders, and the agencies as we begin to review regulations that threaten our economy and provide no meaningful benefit to American families.”
“When it comes to job creation, we agree with President Obama in that every option needs to be on the table,” Burke said. “We believe this includes reforming the ways in which Federal Prison Industries (FPI) is able to take jobs and contracts away from U.S. textile and apparel workers. AAFA will continue to educate members of Congress and the administration about this issue as we work towards a solution that puts law-abiding American taxpayers back to work.”
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is the national trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies, and their suppliers.
