Ohio lawmakers must continue fight against manufacturing funding suspension

Ohio's elected representatives in Washington, D.C., are doing their best to understand and overcome a bizarre federal decision to suspend the state's Manufacturing Extension Partnership award. U.S. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio, along with U.S. Reps. Max Miller, Michael Turner, Robert Latta, David Joyce, Mike Carey, Michael Rulli and David Taylor, all R-Ohio, sent a letter earlier this week to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, asking him to restore the flow of funds to the Buckeye State program. This is in addition to a letter Husted sent to Lutnick on Dec. 11 asking for clarification about why that funding was suspended to begin with. "Given the severity of the consequences to Ohio manufacturers, workers, and the state's industrial competitiveness, we respectfully but urgently request that the Department of Commerce pause or lift the suspension immediately, pending completion and publication of the final audit," the letter says. "Every dollar invested in Ohio's MEP network produces an estimated $18-$20 in economic output, making it one of the highest-return economic-development investments available to state and federal policymakers." Lawmakers and manufacturers across Ohio are rightfully upset the tap was turned off without explanation, and without the federal government following its normal protocol on such matters. The letter concludes by saying "Given the profound economic implications, the lack of due process and the bipartisan, longstanding Congressional mandate for a strong MEP program, we urge the Department of Commerce to restore operational continuity while the audit process proceeds to completion." Failure to restore these supports to Ohio manufacturers does more than strike a devastating blow to a vital pillar of the state's economy, it affects employers and industries across the country who rely on what is produced in the Buckeye State to keep their own businesses running. With no answers as to WHY that support was removed, lawmakers must not let up in expressing their frustration and urging Lutnick and his colleagues to reverse course. Now.