Rep. Stevens Statement on Manufacturing Day
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement on Manufacturing Day:
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturers in Michigan’s 11th District and across the country stepped up to meet the industrial call to action, retooling their production lines to make medical supplies that our doctors, nurses, and other essential workers need to keep themselves safe. Just as they did when they built the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II, Michigan’s best-in-class manufacturing workforce created the products our nation needed in a moment of crisis. As a Member of Congress, I have visited dozens of manufacturers across southeast Michigan as part of my Manufacturing Monday initiative. These enterprises and the workers they employ are the backbone of our economy, and the pride of our region.
“On Manufacturing Day, we come together to celebrate our manufacturers, who are so vital to our economy and our local communities. Manufacturing Day is also an incredible opportunity for the next generation of American manufacturers to learn more about the rewarding career opportunities in the manufacturing sector. While these annual events have moved online during the pandemic, it is no less important to introduce our talented students to the exciting possibilities of a career in manufacturing. By 2028, the United States will need to fill 4.6 million manufacturing jobs with motivated and skilled creators. Events like Manufacturing Day are critical to our efforts to address the skills gap and prepare the next generation to maintain economic competitiveness.”
Congresswoman Stevens is participating in virtual Manufacturing Day events with students from Wayne County and Oakland County.
Congresswoman Stevens on manufacturing:
Manufacturing Monday. Nearly every week, Rep. Stevens takes time to visit a local manufacturing business in or around Michigan’s 11th District to learn more about the business, the issues they face, and how the federal government can help them grow and create jobs. Rep. Stevens has competed nearly 70 Manufacturing Monday events.
Research and Technology Subcommittee. As Chair of the House Science Subcommittee on Research and Technology, Rep. Stevens convened a hearing on advanced manufacturing, and a bipartisan field hearing in Michigan’s 11th District to explore the use of smart technology as Michigan manufacturers develop safe and efficient mobility options.
American Manufacturing Leadership Act. Rep. Stevens introduced the American Manufacturing Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill to boost the manufacturing sector in Michigan and around the country by strengthening our nation’s largest investment in advanced manufacturing – the Manufacturing USA Program. The American Manufacturing Leadership Act was passed by the House of Representatives and eventually signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Secured CARES Act Funding for Manufacturers. Rep. Stevens worked to secure increased federal funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers as part of the CARES Act. MEP Centers used these funds to help small and mid-sized manufacturers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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