Michaud Supports Effort to Preserve Services for Small Manufacturers; Reduce Cost Share for States and Industry |
Thursday, January 21 2010 | |
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud cosponsored a bill (H.R. 4393) that authorizes a reduction in the matching requirement for participants in the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP). MEP is a critical national program that provides technical services and assistance to increase productivity and efficiency of small and medium-sized manufacturers. “MEP support is vital to the long term success and competitiveness of small and medium-sized American manufacturers,” said Michaud. “Preserving and strengthening the program should be a priority as Congress continues its efforts to revive the economy.” This bipartisan legislation will reduce the participant match from 66 percent to 50 percent, and give the Secretary of Commerce the authority to reduce the match further if circumstances necessitate such action. An adjustment to the federal cost share in the MEP will greatly alleviate the burden on state budgets and small manufacturers, and preserve the MEP’s ability to provide critical services to small manufacturers and create much needed jobs in the manufacturing sector. In the most recent 5-year economic impact for Quarter 3, 2004 through Quarter 2, 2009, 249 companies surveyed reported that as a result of their relationship with the Maine MEP they have:
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