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Washington, D.C.-- Today Congressman David Wu, ranking member of the Environment, Technology and Standards Science subcommittee succeeded in passing an amendment to the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005 (H.R. 250) to remove a bureaucratic barrier inhibiting Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEP). Congressman Wu's amendment makes it easier for MEPs to accept funds from other federal agencies and the private sector without being subject to MEP operational cost sharing provisions.
"The Manufacturing Extension Partnership successfully assists our small manufacturing community to remain competitive in the face of increasing global competition. The result is that high-wage, high-skill jobs remain in the U.S. rather than moving offshore," said Congressman David Wu. "During difficult economic times, government should be a help, not a hindrance to business. My amendment offers a common sense approach to helping MEP centers."
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers in nearly 350 locations nationwide designed to provide small and medium sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The centers, serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico, are linked together through the Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology. Centers are funded by federal, state, local and private resources to serve manufacturers. In Oregon, the MEP offers a wide range of professional services designed to meet the needs of Oregon’s manufacturers seeking to invest in their future. They specifically work on "lean manufacturing" training and implementation to create greater production efficiencies by maximizing value-added activities while minimizing waste.
Currently funds received by MEPs through NIST or other government agencies require a two-to-one match from state, local and private resources. These rigid requirements have slowed or halted vital MEP initiatives in Oregon and around the country.
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