Washington, Sep 16, 2005 - Western North Carolina Representative Charles Taylor has convinced the US Department of Agriculture to reverse a decision that could have forced the loss of dozens of jobs and possibly the closing of Transylvania Vocational Services. For the past four years, Transylvania Vocational Services has contracted with USDA to package and distribute dry milk. The contract provides 85 jobs, most of which are filled by people with disabilities. On behalf of Transylvania Vocational Services, Rep. Taylor requested that USDA reallocate a portion of the contract. The agency agreed.

“This was a good decision by USDA and I am pleased that I was able to help the workers at Transylvania Vocational Services,” said Rep. Taylor. “Not only will this save the jobs of people who might not otherwise be able to find employment, it will also allow USDA to continue providing nutrition to those in need through the National School Lunch Program, the Emergency Feeding Program, and regional food banks.”

Nancy Stricker, Executive Director of Transylvania Vocational Services says Rep. Taylor was instrumental in saving the USDA contract and the jobs of dozens of developmentally disabled adults.

Ms. Stricker said “Congressman Taylor even contacted the Secretary of Agriculture on our behalf, and helped us to sort through a maze of federal requirements and regulations. We are very appreciative of his work on our behalf. Thanks to his hard work, we now have a more positive ending to what could have been a very sad story.”