Reps. Farr and Calvert Circulating Manufacturing Extension Letter -- California Capitol Hill Bulletin - Volume 10, Bulletin 7 -- March 20, 2003

Reps. Sam Farr (Carmel) and Ken Calvert (Corona) are circulating for signature by California Congressional delegation members a bipartisan letter to the leadership of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and State in support of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program.

The letter states that small manufacturers are "the backbone of our State's middle-income jobs and key to innovation in this country," and that, "For California alone, the MEP program directly results in approximately 5,360 jobs annually and $25 million in tax revenue." According to the letter, one dollar of federal investment in MEP generates $3.30 in federal tax revenue. It adds that, "as a result of the program, in FY 2002 California manufacturers reported $182 million in increased/retained sales, $41 million in cost savings, and a $39 million increase in investment."

Recent data indicate that manufacturers provide 14% of California's employment and 21% of the state's wages. Data from the California Manufacturers and Technology Association (http://www.cmta.net ) show that the state is home to 1.8 million manufacturing employees, a reduction of 6.4% from one year prior.

The letter requests that the subcommittee appropriate $110 million for MEP in FY 2004. Offices of members wishing to sign the letter should contact Pamela Barry (5-2861 or pam.barry@mail.house.gov ) with Rep. Farr or Deena Contreras (5-1986 or deena.contreras@mail.house.gov ) with Rep. Calvert.

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