CITIZENS TRADE POLICY COMMISSION JULY 7 MEETING FEATURES NH AND VT ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICES DISCUSSING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGR

une 30, 2008                                                               Contact: Patrick Murphy - 603-271-2609 or

                                                                                                  Patrick.Murphy@leg.state.nh.us

Citizens Trade Policy Commission JULY 7 MEETING FEATURES NH AND VT ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICES DISCUSSING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS

CONCORD, NH - The New Hampshire Citizens Trade Policy Commission features attorney Elliot Burg of the Vermont Attorney General's Office discussing international trade agreements Monday, July 7, 2008.  Attorney Burg will be covering the fundamentals of US Trade Agreements relative to their legal implications.

Burg is a graduate of Harvard Law School and joined the Vermont Attorney General's office in 1987 where he serves as assistant attorney general focusing on consumer protection and environmental health. He is a member of the Vermont Commission on International Trade and State Sovereignty.

The meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Room 100 of the State House in Concord. All interested members of the public are cordially invited to attend.

The Commission, which was established by Senate Bill 162 in 2007, is chaired by Senator Jacalyn Cilley of Barrington and is charged with evaluating the impacts of existing and proposed international trade agreements such as the 1995 World Trade Organization (WTO) and the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the ability of New Hampshire and its municipalities to pass laws and ordinances regarding:

• Public health and safety;
• Environmental protection;
• Labor standards;
• State and local procurement, and
• The provision of public services.

Commissioners serve voluntary appointments as prescribed by the law.

In addition, the law directs the Commission to provide a mechanism for citizens and legislators to voice their concerns and recommendations; and make policy recommendations designed to protect New Hampshire's jobs, business environment, and laws from any negative impacts of the trade agreements.

For more information about the Commission, contact Senator Cilley's office at 271-2609.