|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Contact: Press Office |
|
 |
|
|
Stabenow:
Senate Budget Invests in American Manufacturers, Good-paying Jobs
for Middle Class Workers
|
| WASHINGTON
—U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a member of the Senate Budget
Committee, today announced that the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution
paves the way for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) funding. MEP
centers assist manufacturers with cutting-edge technologies and product
innovation to stay competitive in the global economy. “The MEP is a vital program that helps our manufacturers stay competitive,” said Stabenow. “At a time when we are losing manufacturing jobs overseas, we must do everything we can to create, protect and keep manufacturing jobs here in Michigan and America.” As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Stabenow played a key role in ensuring the budget included $122 million for MEP, laying the groundwork to fully fund the program. In sharp contrast, the President’s Budget included only $4 million for MEP funding. Restoring this investment, will help our manufacturers stay competitive and create quality jobs here at home. Last month, over 52,000 manufacturing jobs were lost nationwide— the most since July 2003. The Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Resolution is expected to pass the Senate
late this evening. |