Rep. Scholten Blocks Trump Cuts, Delivers Millions for Michigan Manufacturers
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI03) announced a major win for West Michigan, successfully securing more than $4.9 million in federal funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) and The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) after it was announced the Department of Commerce would not be renewing their cooperative agreement that provided these funds. This victory will allow manufacturers and working-class families in West Michigan and beyond to thrive.
“I fought back against an attack on Michigan manufacturing and won. Michigan’s manufacturers are the backbone of our economy, and I refuse to sit back while political games threaten their future,” said Rep. Scholten. “West Michigan’s manufacturers deserve a partner in Washington who shows up and delivers–and that’s exactly what I did. I’ll always fight to protect the working families and businesses that keep West Michigan running.”
At the beginning of the year, the Trump Administration notified several MEP Centers that they would not be renewing their cooperative agreements, risking MMTC’s funding. In April, the MMTC discussed how defunding this program would harm the 157 American manufacturers and 16,513 employees in Michigan’s Third District that have worked with them. Across the state, the MMTC created 4,949 manufacturing jobs. On June 9th, Rep. Scholten called on Secretary Lutnick and Acting Director Burkhart to support MMTC’s cooperative agreement.
After pushing Rep. Scholten’s calls, the National Institute of Standards and Technology announced that MMTC would receive a year of federal funding. They emphasized the aim of the funding is to empower Michigan’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SSMs) by providing essential resources, expert knowledge and collaborative support. Additionally, employees within these manufacturing companies will benefit from workforce development programs, equipping them with essential skills for career advancement.
The broader Michigan economy will also see positive impacts through increased manufacturing output, investment, and job creation. Scholten’s advocacy ensured that the Trump Administration could not get in the way of Michigan’s manufacturing.
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