Bill would help create more good-paying manufacturing jobs in communities around the country
A bipartisan group of House Members and Senators today introduced the Make it in America Manufacturing Communities Act, legislation that would help revitalize the country’s manufacturing sector and help create good-paying manufacturing jobs throughout the country. The bill was introduced in the House by U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY), Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Angus King (I-ME), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).
The bipartisan Make it in America Manufacturing Communities Act would codify into law a successful program, the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP), started by the Obama Administration, which allows communities around the country to compete to receive preferential consideration for federal economic development funds. 24 communities around the country have already been designated “Manufacturing Communities” and have received targeted investment and support to make their regions more competitive. The program’s future is uncertain without authorizing legislation, but this bipartisan bill would make it permanent so that more communities around the country can compete for this designation.
“Good-paying jobs in manufacturing built Rhode Island’s middle class. It’s time we reclaim our identity as a leading center of American manufacturing and innovation. Let’s start making things in Rhode Island and America once again,” said Congressman Cicilline (RI-1). “I’m proud to reintroduce the bipartisan Make it in America Manufacturing Communities Act. This bill will help Rhode Island better compete for federal funding to grow manufacturing jobs and strengthen our local economy. Let’s keep Rhode Island moving forward.”
“I care about working in a bipartisan manner so that we can create jobs here at home. We have to work together to make sure American manufacturers stay competitive. This is done by encouraging different levels of government to work with businesses and education leaders to help manufacturers succeed,” said Congressman Reed (NY-23).
“Public-private partnerships are critical to a strong manufacturing sector and I am proud to support this legislation that would allow our communities to foster and grow these important relationships. As someone who grew up in Northeast Ohio, I have seen firsthand how manufacturing is the back-bone of the American economy, and it is our duty as leaders to ensure that we not only protect these jobs, but increase the opportunities for the next generation. As our economy continues to grow and modernize, manufacturing can no longer be viewed as the jobs of the past, but also the careers of future,” said Congressman Ryan (OH-13).
“Upstate New York has a rich history of manufacturing products used around the world. Iconic companies including Remington Arms, IBM and Oneida Limited were all founded in the heart of my district. However, New York has struggled from manufacturing job loss in recent decades,” said Congresswoman Tenney (NY-22). “As the owner of a small manufacturing facility, I understand the importance of public support and the impact it can have on local job creators. Partnerships created by this legislation will ensure that our local economies thrive by giving job creators the opportunity to become competitive and lead in their industries.”
“New York has the best manufacturing workforce in the country, but too many good-paying manufacturing jobs have left our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We need to do everything we can to keep good-paying manufacturing jobs in New York and bring back the good-paying jobs that have already left. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan bill, and I will continue to do everything I can to fight for New York’s manufacturing workers.”
“With eight West Virginia counties participating in the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership, this legislation will help strengthen and support the manufacturing industry in the Mountain State. One such example has been in Weirton, West Virginia, where a welding company received financial assistance to help expand and renovate their property. I am glad to join with my House and Senate colleagues to introduce legislation that will help strengthen our manufacturing sector and promote needed job growth in West Virginia,” said Senator Capito.
Senator Richard Blumenthal added, “Our bipartisan bill will give Connecticut a competitive edge as it seeks federal funding to create manufacturing jobs and boost the local economy. Connecticut, with its thriving aerospace and shipbuilding industry, is a true manufacturing leader. By offering federal guidance, strong educational partnerships, and new funding opportunities, this bill will help ensure that this vital manufacturing community continues to expand and innovate. Manufacturing is the backbone of our economy, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this promising legislation.”
This legislation encourages a regionally-driven approach to strengthening the manufacturing industry. To compete for funding through this program and earn the “Manufacturing Communities” designation, communities would create regional partnerships with key stakeholders such as local and state economic development officials, local governments, manufacturers, labor organizations, and higher education or other training providers. In order to earn the Manufacturing Communities designation, communities would demonstrate the significance of manufacturing in their region and develop strategies to utilize their “Manufacturing Communities” designation in making investments in six areas:
- Workforce training and retraining;
- Advanced research;
- Infrastructure and site development;
- Supply chain support;
- Promotion of exports and foreign direct investment; and
- Operational improvement and capital access for manufacturers that supports energy or process efficiency, equipment or facility upgrades, the development of business incubators, among other activities.
Today’s announcement follows years of work by the House Members and Senators to strengthen American manufacturing.