March 11, 2010
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and 17 other governors are supporting President Obama's funding request for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) in the 2011 fiscal year. MEP is the only public-private program dedicated to providing technical support and services to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
In a letter to congressional appropriations leaders, the bipartisan group of governors requested that MEP be funded at $129.7 million for the 2011 fiscal year, the level of support requested by the president.
"We strongly believe that this nation needs to continue its leadership in the global manufacturing economy," the governors wrote. "The MEP program is an essential part of the effort to restore this leadership. Working through centers in every state and Puerto Rico, MEP professionals extend objective consultation to thousands of small manufacturers across America to keep our industrial base competitive and retain high-wage manufacturing jobs with strong benefits."
In their letter the governors noted that the economic downturn has increased pressure on state budgets and diminished the ability of states to share the costs of the program.
"Without strong federal support, the MEP will be unable to maintain its mission of serving small manufacturers' increasing needs," the governors wrote. "At a time when economic recovery is the national priority, we believe the MEP continues to be a wise investment."
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership has proven highly effective in creating and retaining jobs, increasing investment and sales, and realizing cost savings for companies in Michigan:
- MEP clients in Michigan surveyed between October 2007 and September 2008 (the most recent survey available) reported $429.8 million in sales, $48.5 million in cost savings, 2,049 jobs created or retained, and $66.6 million in investments made.
- Over the past nine years, MEP clients surveyed in Michigan have reported more than $1.4 billion in sales, $140.3 million in cost savings, 12,020 jobs created or retained, and $988.7 million in investments made.
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