WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl announced the Senate's version of the Fiscal Year 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill provides $120 million for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.  The MEP has enabled Wisconsin manufacturers to remain competitive, cut production costs, and retain and create jobs.   

In June, Senator Kohl led a bipartisan effort to continue funding for the MEP program in the Fiscal Year 2012 CJS Appropriations bill. A total of 32 senators signed Kohl's letter to the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee supporting the MEP program.  MEP centers help employers upgrade their technology, streamline production processes, eliminate cost inefficiencies and train workers to adapt to evolving technologies. Senator Kohl was joined by Senators Joseph Lieberman (ID-CT) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) in the effort.  

"To get our fiscal house in order, we have to make tough decisions on federal spending.  Considering that environment, I'm pleased that the Subcommittee has made manufacturing a priority.  The MEP is a smart investment that continues to create good paying jobs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep this vital program as a part of our overall jobs strategy," Kohl said.  

Kohl has long championed the MEP program for its success in ensuring major Wisconsin employers can remain competitive. Wisconsin is home to two MEP Centers.  The most-recent data from the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership show that companies that worked with the two centers during the twelve month period ending in June 2011 were able to save or create more than 1,300 jobs, generate $102 million in sales, make $37 million in new investments, and produce more than $20 million in cost savings.  

According to the most recent employment numbers released by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the state has added 15,000 manufacturing jobs in the state over the past year.