Time to put up or shut up on NAFTA

President Trump promised to be the "greatest jobs-producing president in history." With NAFTA negotiations starting Aug. 16, it's time he puts his money where his mouth is.

In the years since the treaty first was signed into law, jobs and wages in our communities took a hit. NAFTA killed approximately 700,000 jobs nationwide, and also made it easier for corporations to offshore. A new trade plan should push corporations to foster good, family-sustaining workplaces and higher pay for working people across North America.

As trade representatives and Congressional leaders come together to rework this treaty, we can't hold our breath and hope for the best. We know what life has looked like living under NAFTA for nearly 25 years. A revised NAFTA must provide working families the freedom and opportunity to build better futures for themselves and our region. Anything less is a deal not worth taking.

Jack Stapleton

Elmhurst