Reps. Cicilline and Meijer Announce House Introduction of Bipartisan, Bicameral Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act
Today, Representatives David N. Cicilline (RI-01) and Peter Meijer (MI-03) announced the reintroduction of the bipartisan, bicameral Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2022. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the legislation in the Senate.
The legislation would establish a new program which incentivizes private-public partnerships by empowering the Secretary of Commerce to designate consortiums as "Manufacturing Communities," which in turn would be eligible for federal financial and technical assistance designed to expand and support domestic manufacturing.
The Made in American Manufacturing Communities Act would strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base, encourage domestic public-private partnerships, and help local businesses cut through bureaucratic red tape to address ongoing pandemic-related supply chain disruptions that continue plaguing local economies.
"Manufacturing is written into Rhode Island's DNA. Good-paying manufacturing jobs helped build our middle class, and after too many years of seeing these jobs sent overseas, we are reclaiming our identity as a leading center of American manufacturing and innovation," said Congressman Cicilline. "The Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act, through these new federal funding opportunities, will grow manufacturing jobs, strengthen our local economy, and bring together leaders in business, government, non-profit, and education to develop new strategies for moving our state forward."
"Michigan has a rich history of manufacturing, but unfortunately, our manufacturing industries have seen their share of challenges, and the pandemic and supply chain disruptions have only exacerbated these problems. The Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act will provide critical investments to bolster our domestic manufacturing, ensuring that critical manufacturing industries have the resources and workforce to succeed right here in the US. I am proud to help lead this bipartisan effort that will help revitalize our manufacturing both in West Michigan and across the country," said Congressman Meijer.
"It's going to take hard work and smart federal investments to get supply chains back on track after two years of pandemic-related disruptions," said Senator Gillibrand. "That's why I'm introducing the Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act of 2022 -- legislation that uses current federal resources to invest in public-private partnerships building the next generation of leaders in manufacturing. By taking a community-based approach, we can invest in innovative groups, schools, and businesses and recruit American workers to help rebuild our national supply chain. This long-term investment will empower businesses to create good-paying manufacturing jobs that fit the needs of individual communities right at home in America."
The Made in America program is a successor to the Obama-era government-wide initiative "Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership" (IMCP). The Economic Development Administration operated the IMCP in 2014 and 2015 and successfully enrolled 24 locally-organized public-private consortiums. In addition to Commerce assistance, approved Made in America Manufacturing Communities in the new proposal would have access to technical assistance from other federal agencies, giving them a leg up in accessing a wide array of federal grants. Specifically, the legislation provides that:
Eligible consortiums include but are not limited to partnerships between commercial industry, state and local government organizations, and academic or nonprofit organizations to convene community stakeholders and set the foundation for long-term investments in manufacturing communities.
Eligible consortiums can be designated as a Manufacturing Community for a 5-year period, after which they can apply for re-designation for two additional 2-year periods.
Approved Manufacturing Communities will receive assistance and investments in equipment or facility upgrades; workforce training, retraining, or recruitment and retention; business incubators; advanced research and commercialization; supply chain development; and assistance for small business concerns.
National organizations endorsing the bipartisan bill include the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, National Association of Development Organizations, National Association of Counties, Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, National Tooling and Machining Association, North American Die Casting Association, Precision Machined Products Association, Precision Metalforming Association, and the National Skills Coalition.
Rhode Island and regional organizations expressing support for the bill include 401 Tech Bridge, Polaris MEP, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA), Rhode Island School of Design, and Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network, and The New England Council.
"Rhode Island has proven that there are great economic impacts when industry, government, academia and non-profits collaborate and create strategic partnerships. The Made In America Manufacturing Communities Act leverages these collaborations to support innovation and transformation within the U.S. manufacturing sector. Making it easier for startups and existing companies to participate in business incubators, find and train their employees, and access or invest in equipment strengthens the domestic supply chain and accelerates the development and commercialization of new products and technologies. These are essential to driving significant regional economic growth and to the creation of good local jobs," said Christian Cowan, Executive Director, 401 Tech Bridge
"Polaris MEP is honored to support The Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act. The bill highlights the importance of manufacturers collaborating with key stakeholders in a regional manufacturing ecosystem to expand and grow the domestic supply chain and workforce pipeline which are all critical areas for manufacturers," said Kathie Mahoney, Center Director, Polaris MEP.
"Rhode Island Manufacturers Association is pleased to support the efforts of Congressman Cicilline regarding the Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act. RIMA is very pleased with the concept of helping to strengthen our home-based manufacturing operations. If the pandemic showed us anything, it is important that our manufacturing needs to be supported to ensure that our countries supply chain is sustained by our US based companies" said David M. Chenevert, Executive Director of RIMA.
"The need for a well-trained workforce to advance Rhode Island's manufacturing industries was the primary motivation for the founding of RISD in 1877; this is ingrained in our mission. While often overlooked, manufacturing is critical to economic growth, and plays an incredibly important role in our creative industries sector, bringing innovative concepts to life through products, packaging, architecture, works of art and much more. RISD stands firmly with this legislation as it will support the output of not only our faculty, students and alumni, but artists and designers globally," said Rhode Island School of Design Interim President Dave Proulx.
"One of the most obvious lessons of the pandemic is the essential nature of a strong and diverse U.S. manufacturing community. When we offshore the production of strategic material and products, we offshore national security. By funding the strategic partnership of manufacturers, academia, and government organizations, The Made in America Manufacturing Communities Act will spur innovation, strengthen manufacturers of all sizes, and create well-paying jobs," said Michael Woody, Chair, Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network and CEO, Trans-Tex, LLC.
"When it comes to promoting the tremendous potential for job creation in New England's advanced manufacturing sector, it is essential that diverse stakeholders work together across state lines to overcome existing challenges and build the networked, collaborative environment the industry needs. Congressman Cicilline's new legislation applies that thinking to help our manufacturers utilize their existing strengths in order to succeed and prosper in today's global economy. We're grateful to him for his steadfast support for our region's manufacturers," said James T. Brett, President and CEO, The New England Council.
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