Measure Would Increase Federal Support For Regional Manufacturing Centers
Small manufacturers may soon have some Federal assistance thanks to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Improvement Act. The bill, first introduced in April by Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Gary Peters (D-MI) is designed to “expand and make improvements to the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership,” according to Innovate Long Island (NY), which reported that the partnership is designed to provide “technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers through a series of regional centers, with an eye on creating and retaining manufacturing jobs while streamlining operations and maximizing profits.” Among the improvements to the Hollings MEP that the measure would implement include clarifying the MEP Center review process, increasing Federal support to regional centers, and authorizing the centers “to support the development of manufacturing-related apprenticeship, internship and industry-recognized certification programs.” The AP reports that the measure is designed “to expand a federal program that provides manufacturers around the country with access to training and technology to improve efficiency, productivity and profit.” It will also “improve the manufacturing program’s ability to provide resources to businesses,” the senators said. Since the bill has passed the Senate, it is expected to be signed into law by President Obama shortly.
What This Means For Small Businesses
Small business owners in the manufacturing sector have struggled to find the right workers to fill jobs. Increased support for manufacturing training centers may help create a new generation of skilled workers to boost US manufacturing, and the economy as a whole.
Additional Reading
MLive (MI) also covered the story.
Note: this article is intended to keep small business owners up on the latest news. It does not necessarily represent the policy stances of NFIB.
