Rep. Stevens Statement on President’s FY2020 Budget

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) made the following statement in response to the President’s budget proposal, which would eliminate or drastically cut funding for several programs that are important to Michigan’s 11th District.

“The budget cuts proposed by the President today would severely undermine the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector in southeast Michigan. Programs like the Manufacturing Extension Partnership and ARPA-E have played a major role in putting our region at the forefront of global innovation and technological advancements. This budget would also slash funding for crucial scientific research through the NSF. I will continue to advocate for public investments in scientific research and federal support for our innovation economy in southeast Michigan,” said Congresswoman Stevens.

Background:

• The President’s FY 2020 budget proposal eliminates federal funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, which provides public funding for the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center. The MMTC, based in Michigan’s 11th District, is dedicated to supporting Michigan manufacturers to work smarter, to compete and to prosper.
• The President’s FY 2020 budget proposal eliminates federal funding for the  Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) program, which funds research and development of advanced energy technologies. Companies in Michigan’s 11th District have received more than $35 million through the ARPA-E program.
• The President’s FY 2020 budget proposal drastically cuts federal funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which supports basic research across all fields of science and engineering. In FY 2018, the NSF provided 608 awards totaling approximately $220 million to 35 institutions in Michigan.
• The President’s FY 2020 budget proposal cuts federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative by 90%. This program funds crucial Great Lakes cleanup projects.
• The President’s FY 2020 budget proposal eliminates federal funding for the Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan Program, which helps auto and parts manufacturers upgrade their plants.

In a Science Committee hearing last week, Congresswoman Stevens questioned a witness about the critical importance of public funding for scientific research. Click HERE to watch the brief video.

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