Robust funding for government-sponsored technology programs is a top AMT priority, evidenced by the Government Relations Committee vote last year directing AMT staff to target advocacy efforts toward these ends.
Two programs, both administered within the U.S. Department of Commerce and detailed below, are of particular importance to AMT members.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
The MEP program is a nationwide network of centers that offers manufacturers (1) solutions to specific engineering questions and problems, (2) training programs such as LEAN, and (3) assistance in design and implementation of long term project planning. The MEP program places heavy emphasis on assisting small- and mid-sized firms.
FY 2005 federal funding for the MEP program is $109 million, a solid number that ensures MEP's mission can be met this year. However, the Bush Administration's FY 2006 budget reduces funding for MEP by 57% to $47 million.
For its part, the National Association of Manufacturers' Council of Manufacturing Associations (of which AMT is an active member) has also made MEP preservation a top priority going forward.
AMT will continue working in 2005 to promote the MEP program, particularly as Congress considers the FY 2006 federal budget and appropriation bills.
Advanced Technology Program (ATP)
The ATP provides early stage investment to bridge funding gaps between product research and development. On a cost-share basis, the ATP awards funding through partnerships with private companies, joint ventures, universities and other manufacturing stakeholders.
2005 funding for the ATP is just over $142 million, a number that funds projects already in progress, but does not provide sufficient funds for initiating new projects. Going forward, AMT will lobby in favor of increased 2006 ATP funding so that worthy projects receive support. However, the Bush Administration's FY 2006 budget proposes terminating the program.
At the February 22-23, 2005 joint meeting of the Government Relations and MACHINE TOOLPAC Steering Committees, Bill Bonvillian, Legislative Director to Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and his colleague, Karin Pavese (who is a legislative fellow from the General Electric Company), joined the Committees for a briefing on the various manufacturing initiatives Sen. Lieberman and his colleagues are proposing. Sen. Lieberman is a leading advocate for additional Federal funding for various programs that promote research and development in manufacturing, and Sen. Lieberman's staff shared their ideas for obtaining additional funding of manufacturing R&D and solicited ideas from Committee members, including a paper written by Mr. Bonvillian outlining a five-point place to reverse the decline of our manufacturing base.
