Washington, D.C.—Reps. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-WV) and Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan bill yesterday that would revitalize manufacturing and promote economic development and job creation in depressed areas. 

The Manufacturing Economic Recovery Act (H.R. 3622) would create tax credits for businesses that utilize former industrial sites to locate their operations. 

 “Wherever you drive along the Ohio River you can see the empty reminders of steel, glass, and chemical jobs that have gone away,” said Rep. McKinley.  “It’s time we take action to revitalize communities that have been hurt by manufacturing jobs going overseas. This bill would provide an incentive for companies to locate, grow, and create jobs in areas that need it the most.”

“It is quite simple. We need manufacturing jobs in America,” added Rush. “They are essential to our future economic growth as a country. This bill will help offset manufacturing jobs that have gone overseas and, therefore, help the American worker and the American economy.”

“Restoring our manufacturing base is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue,” said McKinley. “This is an area where we can find common ground and work together.”

This legislation would create a tax credit for companies that purchase existing manufacturing infrastructure and retrofit it for their use and also provides incentives for companies to hire unemployed workers. 

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