Manufacturing Update for January 2014

1. LATEST POLICY

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Signed in to law: Inapplicability of Requirement to Review and Justify Certain Contracts
Sens. Blunt and Coons added an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) clarifying conflicting guidance for small manufacturers from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Department of Defense.  Occasionally, conflicting rules from each agency apply to a small manufacturer contracting with the federal government. The provision makes it easier for small manufacturers to comply with these rules by dictating that when both sets of rules apply to a contract, only the SBA rule will be enforced. The President signed NDAA into law on Dec. 26.
More: Blunt NDAA press release| Coons NDAA press release

Introduced: Skills Gap Strategy Act

Sens. Donnelly (D-IN) and Heller (R-NV) introduced the Skills Gap Strategy Act, bipartisan legislation that would help employers identify, train, and hire workers with the skills to fill existing job openings.  The Skills Gap Strategy Act directs the Secretary of Labor to develop a strategy to help close the “skills gap” by increasing on-the-job training and apprenticeship opportunities.
More: Donnelly press release | Heller press release

Introduced: Consortia-Led Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Networks Act
Sen. Markey introduced a bill to create six or more local innovation hubs to help American inventors, investors, professors, and producers bridge the last hurdles between innovation and manufacturing.  The bill will open up $100 million in matching funds, with rigorous costshare requirements to ensure taxpayers are only partnering on the best ideas, in which the private sector also has significant capital committed.
More: Markey press release

Introduced: Innovators Job Creation Act
Sens. Roberts (R-KS) and Coons (D-DE) introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance incentives for private firms to invest in research and development. The bill helps start-ups and other small companies take advantage of R&D tax credits by allowing the R&D Credit to be claimed against the Alternative Minimum Tax, permitting the Alternative Simplified Credit on Amended Returns, and allowing startups to claim the R&D credit against their employment taxes.
More: Roberts press release| Coons press release

This update is provided by the Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons on behalf of the Manufacturing Jobs for America initiative. For more information, visit coons.senate.gov/manufacturing or email jj_singh@coons.senate.gov.  

Click here to download this month’s full newsletter as a PDF, or read it below.

Video: Senator Coons previews SOTU on CNBC

Calling on the President to “continue to fight for American manufacturing,” Senator Coons appeared on CNBC’s Kudlow Report on Tuesday to share what he hopes to hear in President Obama’s fifth State of the Union address tonight. Watch the full interview below:

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: January 27 to February 2

Monday, January 27 at 8:30 a.m. – The Senator will speak at the Delaware Business Roundtable’s first meeting of the year. He will discuss efforts to grow America’s manufacturing sector and create jobs, and answer questions from attendees. Christina Room, Hotel DuPont, 11th & Market Streets, Wilmington, DE – Closed to press. 

Monday, January 27 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will participate in a pre-State of the Union reporter roundtable with Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul and Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). The discussion and Q&A will focus on manufacturing and job creation. Alliance for American Manufacturing, 711 D Street NW, 3rd Floor, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Taylor Garland at tgarland@aamfg.org or (202) 297-9196. Space is limited.

Tuesday, January 28 at 9:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the President’s State of the Union Address. House Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee meeting with faith leaders. Discussion items include reducing poverty and hunger, job creation, and strengthening the middle class. U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Closed to press.

Wednesday, January 29 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee hearing on Department of Justice oversight. Attorney General Eric Holder will testify. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Wednesday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. The committee will consider several nominations and legislation related to sentencing reform. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703.

Saturday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will participate in a Black History Month Forum at Hanover Presbyterian Church. The event is a forum of local, regional, and national leaders to begin Black History Month with a discussion of freedom, and ongoing economic, political, educational, judicial, and faith challenges in the community. Hanover Presbyterian Church, 1801 N. Jefferson St. Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Senator Coons welcomes Kent County jobseekers to first job fair of 2014

More than 1,000 jobseekers packed in to the Education Technology Building Conference Center at Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus for the first job fair of the year hosted by U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Tom Carper, and U.S. Representative John Carney. The Kent County job fair brought more than 45 private and public entities together to meet candidates in hopes of filling over 500 open positions.

The Kent County job fair was organized with the help of Brandywine Counseling and Career Services, and service and government employment agencies were also on hand to facilitate job-search skills workshops, career counseling, and resume reviews. 

“Today was our 17th job fair and once again it was a great opportunity to connect Delawareans looking for work with prospective employers,” said Senator Carper. “While we still have too many of our friends and neighbors who are struggling to find work, I am heartened that we’re making progress and I’m hopeful that 2014 will be a positive year for job creation and economic growth here in the First State.”

“Thousands of Delawareans are still looking for work and these job fairs can make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Senator Coons said. “Like the job fairs we hosted in the past, our goal for these fairs is to help Delawareans connect with real job opportunities, many of which are right here in their own backyard. Companies like Mountaire, Lowe’s, and Energizer were looking to fill hundreds of full-time positions.”

“Putting Delawareans back to work is my top priority.  There are still many qualified workers struggling to provide for themselves and their families,” said Congressman Carney.  “Many people left today with good information and connections that could lead to their next career move. That’s our main goal, and we’ll continue providing these opportunities throughout the year.” 

In 2013, the Delaware delegation hosted seven job fairs for more than 3,500 job seekers. Since 2011, the delegation has hosted 17 jobs fairs in Delaware, including four specifically for veterans.

On MLK Day, Senator Coons reflects on Dr. King’s vision

Senator Coons celebrated Martin Luther King Day with hundreds of Delawareans in Wilmington and Dover on Monday, recalling Dr. King’s pursuit of equality and justice for all. At gatherings across the state, Senator Coons joined local civil rights leaders to share reflections on the teachings and legacy of Dr. King and the work that remains to fulfill his vision.

At the 30^th Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Breakfast, hosted by the Organization of Minority Women, Chris had the honor of delivering the invocation and paid tribute to the memory of the event’s late founder, former State Representative Hazel Plant. 

Chris also visited with attendees of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Inaugural Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, headlined by keynote speaker Lani Guinier, Esq., civil rights attorney and the first tenured African-American woman professor at Harvard Law School.

Senator Coons then traveled south to Dover to speak at the 31^st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Zeta Rho Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Addressing attendees, Chris discussed his efforts to restore key voter protections in the historic Voting Rights Act – a centerpiece of Dr. King’s civil rights struggle – that were struck down by a recent Supreme Court ruling. 

“The reality is, discrimination is alive and well,” said Chris. “Attempts to block access to the ballot box continue today, and not just in the Deep South, but also around the country. That’s why I’ve introduced a modern voting rights bill to confront modern voting rights challenges. I am hopeful that Congress can come together to pass this bipartisan bill and restore the promise of free and fair elections that Dr. King fought for,” he said. Read more about the bill here.

Ending the day at the 29^th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday Program hosted by Delaware State University, Senator Coons commended the event’s founder, Councilman Reuben Salters, on his work honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The program, featuring speakers and artists, is free and open to the public.

“What Councilman Salters has done with this event is to translate Dr. King’s message of strengthening justice, achieving equality and working toward the founding promise of the American Dream, into local, lasting impact,” said Chris.

Senator Coons surveys the future of charter schools in Wilmington

Sen. Coons listens to Community Education Building President Riccardo Stoeckicht as they stand in what will be the building’s 7,000 square foot library.

Senator Coons peered into the future of Wilmington’s charter schools as he joined Community Education Building (CEB) representatives Riccardo Stoeckicht and Robert Boyd for a behind-the-scenes look at the under-construction CEB in downtown Wilmington Friday. The 11-story building, donated by Bank of America to the Longwood Foundation, will house between 2,400-2,800 students when schools are operating at capacity.

Also along for the tour was Sally Maldonado, head of school for Kuumba Academy, one of the first schools that will be housed at the CEB. Academia Antonia Alonso is also scheduled to begin classes there in the fall.

“Students, especially young students, need a place to learn where they can feel inspired, safe and comfortable,” said Chris. “This building, once completed, will provide a place for more than 2,000 students to learn, grow and flourish as members of their community.”

“This project represents the best of Delaware,” Senator Coons continued, “a state of neighbors that can come together from all areas, from the private sector to the non-profit world, to build something that is truly great. This facility is an example of what partnering and collaboration can achieve.”

Sen. Coons talks manufacturing, innovation with Delaware MIT alums and American Chemical Society members

Local scientists, chemists and engineers packed the dining room at Brantwyn Estate on Friday to engage in open discussion with Sen. Coons about his recent work in Washington to promote advanced manufacturing and innovation. The event was the sixth joint meeting of the MIT Club of the Delaware Valley and the Delaware Section of the American Chemical Society.

Chris, who holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Amherst College and worked for eight years for a materials-based science company, shared his genuine excitement about invention and innovation, as well as his keen understanding of the financing challenges materials-based science companies face. He discussed his efforts in the Senate around these issues, including leading the Manufacturing Jobs for America campaign to grow our nation’s manufacturing sector, introducing the America INNOVATES Act to modernize aspects of our national lab system, and working on new bipartisan legislation to reauthorize investments in basic science and technology through innovative programs like the Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E). 

 “I’m trying to help make the connection in the Senate between advanced manufacturing, research and development, and job opportunities,” said Chris. “America is and can continue to be one of the most productive manufacturing countries in the world, but manufacturing relies very heavily on R&D, on patents, and on continuous innovation.”

“At a time of scarce public resources, science is a critical investment,” Chris continued. “Right now, I need your voice, because there are very few in Congress who understand the compounding value of investment in basic and applied science, about the risks we face in intellectual property, and the importance of getting STEM education at the elementary school level right. We’ve got huge challenges ahead but also great opportunities – in green chemistry, in reimagining advanced polymers, in advanced manufacturing – and I’m looking forward to working with you to ensure our nation remains a leader in science.”

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: January 19 to January 25

Monday, January 20 at 8:00 a.m. – The Senator will begin Martin Luther King Day remembrance ceremonies by delivering the invocation at the 27^th Annual Organization for Minority Women, Inc. Martin Luther King Day breakfast. Chase Center on the Riverfront – Open to press. Contact Mae Jarmon at 302-654-4782. 

Monday, January 20 at 9:15 a.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks at the 28^th Annual Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. Modern Maturity Center 1121 Forrest Ave. Dover, DE. – Open to press. Contact Ron Price at 302-670-1373. 

Monday, January 20 at Noon – The Senator will deliver remarks at Delaware State University’s Martin Luther King Day celebration and remembrance. EH Theater, 1200 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Reuben Salters at 302-736-0101

Tuesday, January 21 at 11:45 a.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks at the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Zoup! in Wilmington, a new soup cafe opened with the investment of the SBA and Applied Bank. 4715 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Tuesday, January 21 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will tour Bilcare Research Inc. and meet with company executives. Bilcare manufactures blister packs commonly used to package pharmaceuticals and chewing gum. 1389 School House Road, Delaware City, DE – Closed to press.

Tuesday, January 21 at 5:45 p.m. – The Senator will deliver the commencement speech at the Wilmington Job Corps 2014 Winter Graduation ceremony. Senator Coons will be celebrating the achievements of over 50 graduates. 9 Vandever Avenue, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Peter Lonie at 302-230-2539.

Thursday, January 23 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend and deliver remarks at the Congressional Delegation’s Kent County Job Fair where more than 30 employers will be looking to fill hundreds of positions. Since 2011, the Congressional delegation has hosted 16 job fairs in Delaware, including four specifically for veterans. – Delaware Technical Community College, Education Technology Building Conference Center, North Delaware Tech Drive, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Thursday, January 23 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend and deliver remarks at the Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille grand opening celebration in Dover. The Greene Turtle was the recipient of two SBA loans and has created over 50 new jobs. 391 N DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE. – Open to the press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Thursday, January 23 at 6 p.m. – The Senator will attend and deliver remarks at the 43rd Annual Delaware Agricultural Industry Dinner. Dover Downs, Dover, DE. Open to the press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

Video: Senator Coons introduces bill to modernize Voting Rights Act

Senator Coons spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill on Thursday introducing bipartisan legislation to restore and modernize protections in the Voting Rights Act. Chris was joined by Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.), and Congressman John Lewis (D-Ala.), cosponsors of the Senate and House versions of the bill. The legislation comes seven months after the Supreme Court issued a ruling striking down a core provision of the historic law. Watch Chris’ remarks below.

Delaware volunteer firefighters welcome Affordable Care Act fix

Senator Coons shared good news with volunteer firefighters and first responders from across the state on Monday about a fix to the Affordable Care Act that will spare volunteer fire companies undue financial hardship.

After hearing concerns from the Delaware Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, Chris began pressuring the White House in December to clarify that volunteer firefighters would not be considered employees of volunteer fire companies under the Affordable Care Act, potentially triggering the law’s coverage mandate for businesses with more than 50 employees.

Last month, Chris cosponsored legislation to clarify the law and sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urging the administration to explore a fix for this issue independent of Congress. On Friday, Chris received a response from the Treasury Department announcing plans to issue new guidance to ensure volunteer emergency responders will not be counted as employees.

“Volunteer fire companies are an important part of the fabric of our communities,,” Chris said. “While the Affordable Care Act is already doing a lot of good for a lot of people, it isn’t perfect. This issue needed to be fixed so our volunteer fire companies can continue to do their life-saving work.” 

Delaware has more than 60 volunteer fire companies statewide, and most do not have the resources to provide pay or benefits to volunteers. The majority of volunteer first-responders have other full-time employment, and do not expect to receive compensation or health coverage as a result of their volunteer public service.

“Since Republicans’ commitment to repealing the law is making it impossible for us to repair the law, it was important for the President to step in,” Chris said. “I am still hopeful that Congress can come together to fix other issues with the Affordable Care Act that can only be repaired with legislation, but am grateful for the administration’s action today.”