By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – President Bush's spending plan would slash funding for a program that assists small manufacturers in maintaining business and jobs. But Western New York Republican Congressman Tom Reynolds is fighting to restore funds for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership known as MEP.
The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is made up of 350 not-for-profit centers across the US that work directly with small manufacturers to boost employment, sales and investment. On Monday, Reynolds appeared at the world-wide headquarters of PCB Piezotronics in Lancaster. It develops devices that measure dynamic force, pressure and vibration -- devices used in a variety of industries from automotive to aerospace. Company leaders say thanks to programs like MEP, they were able to grow their local workforce from 150 to close to 550.
Reynolds says he is fighting to secure $106 million dollars to stabilize MEP.
"I don't understand why the Office of Management and Budget continually goes after this," Reynolds said. "We see this as a great program that is spread out at 350 sites across America."
Last year, MEP helped manufacturers increase and retain sales by more than $4.5 billion. It also created and retained more than 43,000 jobs.
Robert Martin -- who oversees MEP for New York State -- says it provides a significant payback for businesses that participate by increasing competitiveness.
"It allows US manufacturers to compete globally with low cost marketplaces in China, India and other places," Martin said.
Congressman Reynolds says it seems each year he fights to keep this federal funding in place for the manufacturing program. So far, he says he has been successful.