IMA Policy, NEWS
IMA Signs Letter to Secretary of Commerce Lutnick in Support of Continuation of Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program
2025-04-17
The IMA, along with a coalition of state chambers of commerce and manufacturing associations, has written to the Secretary of Commerce expressing support for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The letter voices concern over the Department of Commerce's decision not to renew funding for several MEP centers, and its intention to eliminate federal funding for all 51 centers nationwide.
The group points out that this move contradicts the Trump administration's stated commitment to American manufacturing, given that most manufacturers are small businesses. While acknowledging the need for restructuring, as highlighted in a recent report, the group believes that eliminating federal support would disproportionately harm under-resourced MEP centers, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, a point was made that the NIST budget reduction was achieved largely by cutting the MEP centers.
The letter requested a 90-day pause in funding rescission to allow for discussions on a restructuring plan. The coalition proposed a more effective MEP network focused on areas such as lean-process improvement, cybersecurity, supply chain development, energy cost reduction, and leadership development, and suggested principles for the restructured network, including performance-based funding, preference for centers linked to state trade associations, state-level accountability, private-sector co-investment, and maximizing funds for direct services.
The DOC has since delayed the funding cut for the 10 MEPs who were initially defunded (Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming) for a period of 6 months, which is a positive sign that our efforts are being heard and considered.
The IMA has had a long and beneficial relationship with Purdue MEP , and our members have benefitted greatly from this partnership. IMA members are encouraged to contact their Indiana representatives in Congress to request that this program continue to benefit manufacturers in Indiana and throughout the country.