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Tom Reed unveiled his support of the bipartisan Make It in America Manufacturing Communities Act, which would allow local manufacturing communities to be designated for federal grant funding to encourage job creation.

"We care about families and bringing the jobs those families need to continue to make New York State their home for generations to come," said Reed. "It's only right that we help create the opportunities for those families to stick together."

The bill makes permanent a program which would allow existing manufacturing communities within a geographic region to apply for a two year federal designation making them eligible for grant funding.  The bill is also designed to encourage the efficient use of resources by requiring business to work in concert with colleges and universities and the government to innovate and grow in order to be eligible.

"We have to pull out all of the stops and make sure our manufacturers stay competitive. We have to encourage coordination between different levels of government, business and education to help manufacturers succeed. By working together we can create the jobs of tomorrow right here at home," said Reed.

Roughly $1.3 billion dollars in existing economic development funding is available through various federal agencies for these designated communities nationwide.

Reed, who is the lead Republican sponsor on the bill, went on to say that the bill is designed to fortify manufacturing companies as global competition becomes even fiercer. "Our workforce is second to none.  Given the opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field, they will win every time.  This bill helps level that playing field," said Reed.

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