Posts for June 3, 2010

AMID SPILL ANGER, OBAMA URGES CUTS IN OIL TAX BREAKS

June 3, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
President Barack Obama pressed Congress to scrap billions in oil company tax breaks and pass legislation to help nation kick a dangerous ‘fossil fuel addiction.’ ... continue

CHINA 'NOT OPTIMISTIC' ON GREENHOUSE GAS CUTS

June 3, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
A key air pollutant has increased in China this year, highlighting serious challenges faced by world's biggest emitter of greenhouse gases as it tries to curb pollution ... continue

EFFORTS TO CONFIRM CONTROVERSIAL LABOR BOARD NOMINEE CONTINUE

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

As the Senate was preparing to adjourn for the Memorial Day recess last week, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) once again attempted to confirm labor union attorney Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NAM opposes Becker's nomination because his views of labor law indicate that he will seek to implement the goals of the jobs-killing Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) through NLRB actions. Sen. Harkin, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, included Becker in a package of nominees to be confirmed by unanimous consent. Although the motion was blocked by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), this attempt demonstrates the determined efforts on the part of organized labor and their allies to implement the goals of card check legislation. President Obama seated Becker to the NLRB temporarily through a recess appointment in late March. The NAM continues to urge members of Congress to oppose both Becker's nomination and the EFCA in any form.

FACTORY ORDERS RISE 1.2 PERCENT IN APRIL

June 3, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Orders to U.S. factories posted a moderate 1.2 percent increase in April as a big surge in demand for commercial aircraft offset weakness in a number of other areas ... continue

FOCUS: HOUSE PASSES AMERICA COMPETES REAUTHORIZATION

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

After two previous attempts were blocked, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on May 28 to pass the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act (H.R. 5116), which authorizes $85.6 billion in federal support over five years for research and development (R&D), government science agencies and education programs. It passed on a bipartisan vote of 262-150 shortly before Congress adjourned for its Memorial Day recess.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has long supported the America COMPETES Act because of its benefits to manufacturers in the United States and its overall impact on the nation’s economic competitiveness and prosperity. Four key programs in the bill are significant for manufacturers: federal funding for basic R&D; the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E); science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education; and the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP).

Federally-funded R&D sets the United States apart from the rest of the world. The COMPETES Act lays the groundwork to double funding for important government research agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The funds authorized by America COMPETES will help create manufacturing jobs by building infrastructure necessary to do cutting-edge science and funding grants that will help spur innovation. The manufacturing sector has played a vital role in developing new technologies and continues to be a leader in adopting them to maximize efficiency and productivity. This legislation will add incentives to further embrace advances in technology that strengthen and secure the place of American manufacturers in the global economy.

Second, fully funding ARPA-E can boost the U.S. economy through more efficient energy use, a clean domestic energy supply and a smart energy infrastructure. The NAM has long called for a new approach to how we produce, distribute and consume energy, and that starts with how we view and conduct energy research. The ARPA-E supports high-risk, high-reward energy technology development projects. This approach will expedite the development and deployment of technological innovation. It will also form the foundation of new R&D investments that meet the size and complexity of the challenges facing the energy sector.

The third element of America COMPETES is the additional education funding needed to prepare the next generation of manufacturers. Strong STEM education is the foundation for a technical workforce and provides the fundamental skills necessary for a vibrant and competitive manufacturing economy.

STEM skills create a competitive business environment by contributing to skills on the production line as well as in the research lab. The funding for education grants and scholarships included in this bill will help increase the number and quality of students receiving degrees in areas critical to manufacturing competitiveness.

Finally, the MEP is a nationwide network of not-for-profit centers that helps thousands of small and medium-sized manufacturers increase their productivity and technological capabilities. The MEP offers services including process improvements, worker training, business practices and information technology so that smaller manufacturers can streamline their operations, improve their bottom line, grow the manufacturing economy and create jobs.

Now that the House has completed its work on the America COMPETES reauthorization, the Senate must take action. Throughout the House debate, the NAM helped raise awareness of the bill’s many advantages for manufacturers and pressed lawmakers to approve the funding quickly. The NAM will urge the Senate to do the same, as America COMPETES not only builds a framework for long-term growth and vitality but also provides critical assistance that will help create jobs and increase competitiveness in the near-term. To view the NAM’s Key Vote letter to House members, click here.

The America COMPETES Act was originally signed into law in 2007. Its programs work to strengthen innovation in the U.S. manufacturing sector and help build a stronger, more skilled workforce.

PANEL: METHODS EXIST TO BOOST FUEL SAVINGS

June 3, 2010 – Late Wire from Manufacturing.net
Research panel concluded that technology already widely available could significantly cut fuel consumption by cars and light trucks without sacrificing safety or performance ... continue

NAM COMMENTS ON IRS PROPOSAL ON UNCERTAIN TAX PROVISIONS

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

In a June 1 letter, the NAM joined several other trade associations in expressing opposition to an IRS proposal that would require taxpayers to report uncertain tax positions on their tax returns. While the associations support IRS efforts to fairly and efficiently administer our nation’s tax laws, the proposal would impose onerous and unnecessary compliance burdens on manufacturers and other American businesses that would far outweigh any benefits.
Details: Dorothy Coleman, (202) 637-3077.

NAM CONCERNED ABOUT MORATORIUM ON OFFSHORE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

Last week, President Obama announced a moratorium on offshore exploration and development in light of the accident in the Gulf of Mexico. The President’s suspension stops new deepwater oil drilling permits, cancels existing leases for expansion in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and suspends current exploration. In a May 27 statement, NAM President John Engler expressed concern over the decision. “We believe the Administration’s decision to cancel existing leases will set our country back in achieving economic security and energy independence,” he said. “The expansion and development of the OCS is vital to affordable, reliable energy and the long-term health of our economy and prosperity of American workers. Manufacturers will continue to work with the Administration and Congress to lift the moratorium and expedite delivery of these valuable resources to American consumers.”

NAM HOSTS WEBINAR ON LABOR’S THREAT TO MANUFACTURERS

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

On May 27, NAM Director of Employment and Labor Policy Keith Smith hosted a webinar outlining organized labor’s agenda and the onslaught of proposals and regulations manufacturers are facing. More than 200 manufacturers joined the discussion to share their concerns and learn how they can make their voice heard.

While organized labor continues to push for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), manufacturers remain vigilant in opposing other dangerous elements of organized labor’s agenda. Manufacturers participating in the webinar heard about labor’s efforts to mandate paid leave, restrict how employers can communicate with their employees, increase OSHA inspections and penalties for alleged safety violations, and develop costly ergonomics regulation.

The NAM has successfully prevented many of these efforts from advancing so far, but labor leaders have made clear that as election season approaches, they intend to use their influence in Washington to enact their agenda, even if that means pursuing their priorities outside of Congress and through federal agencies with regulations.

The NAM will remain on the front lines, educating members of Congress and the public about the dangers of the EFCA and policies that would be detrimental to small and medium manufacturers’ ability to create jobs and compete. Contact your members of Congress to urge them to oppose labor’s proposals including the EFCA and the costly Paycheck Fairness Act.

To view the recorded webinar, click here. For more information, contact NAM Director of Employment and Labor Policy Keith Smith at ksmith@nam.org or (202) 637-3045.

NEW JOBLESS CLAIMS DROP FOR SECOND WEEK

June 3, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
First-time claims for unemployment insurance fell for the second straight week, but claims still remain at elevated levels ... continue

PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH SLOWS IN 1Q

June 3, 2010 -
Labor Department says productivity advanced at an annual rate of 2.8 percent in January-March period, slowest pace in a year and lower than 3.6 percent rate initially reported ... continue

U.S. SHARE OF WORLD EXPORTS FALLS IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2010

June 3, 2010 – NAM Capital Briefing

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recently released data on world exports for the first quarter of 2010, which show that U.S. merchandise exports rose by 20 percent over the first quarter of 2009. While this jump suggests a recovery from last year’s downturn, compared to other nations’ recoveries in the same period, the numbers are not as inviting. World merchandise exports last quarter rose 27 percent, indicating that other countries are recovering more swiftly from the trade recession and that the U.S. share is declining. China reported a 29-percent increase in merchandise exports, Japan reported a 48-percent increase and the Russian Federation showed a 62-percent increase. There is a tough road ahead, and more must be done to double exports in the next five years.

UTAH TECH LEADERS DISCUSS WORKFORCE, FUNDING AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

June 3, 2010 – UB Daily

The Utah technology industry continues to outperform most other industries in the state, with 80 percent of companies growing or thriving, but tech businesses still face and overcome challenges, said the industry leaders gathered at a Utah Business roundtable discussion on Wednesday, June 2. Among the challenges facing this industry are finding a qualified workforce, raising funds and keeping up with social media and technology trends. Workforce Along with finding the qualified individuals already living in Utah or those willing to move here, educating the rising generation to become the qualified workforce of the future is also a concern.
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