Welp, we got fired from the keyboard factory today. Turns out we weren’t putting in enough shifts. 🙃 The good news is the clock factory down the street is hiring! Hopefully, we’ll get some hours in. 🕓
The current administration says American manufacturing is a top priority. 🥇 However, federal funding was just slashed for a major program that supports Ohio businesses. What gives? 🤔
Here’s Five Fast Facts on the federal funding cuts:
- ✂️ Cut a Rug - Each year, Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) receives $6.6M in federal funding. But the Department of Commerce just put those dollars on ice, pending a review of the program. Without funding, several MEP programs could close up shop by the end of 2025.
- 🏭 Makin’ It Big - The Buckeye State’s MEP was founded in 1988 and supports roughly 14,000 manufacturers annually. Since 2020, MEP has created 24,000 jobs throughout Ohio.
- 👷🏽♂️ On the Job - Through its six regional programs, MEP provides manufacturers with tech support, workforce development resources, and more. The funding cuts also put over 100 MEP jobs in jeopardy.
- 🛠️ Three’s Company - Compared to other states, Ohio is ranked third in the country for manufacturing jobs (Texas and California are numbers one and two). Most of these jobs come from the kind of small and mid-sized companies that rely on MEP.
- ☎️ Help Wanted - Earlier this year, 10 other states’ MEP programs got word of funding cuts. Thanks to political and public pressure, Uncle Sam changed his mind. Recently, Gov. DeWine asked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik to reverse the decision in Ohio, results TBD.
🔥Bottom line: Without support from programs like MEP, Ohio’s manufacturing industry could suffer. We don’t wanna get all schizo, but it almost seems like they don’t want the little guys to win? Speaking of slashing, want to learn how to cut this year’s tax bill? Head over to this article where we share some savvy strategies.
Do you work in manufacturing?
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