Senator Coons visits Dover Interfaith Housing

On Tuesday, Senator Coons joined Jeanine Kleinmo, Chairman of the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing (DIMH), for a walking tour of the mission’s new Bagley Hall location, as well as the original Forrest Ave facility. As a part of the visit, Senator Coons donated boxes of toiletries and supplies to help support those staying at DIMH facilities.

The new Walter Bagley Hall location, named after DIMH’s founding treasurer, functions as transitional housing facility for men. This facility expands the overall capacity to include thirty more beds.

DIMH strives to make life outside of a homeless shelter possible for these men, by providing a safe place to stay while providing its residents with the tools they need to get back on their feet. DIMH’s daytime Resource Center functions as a job counseling center. Here residents learn basic computer skills, how to write and build a resume, and interview and job prep.

DIMH began in 2008 as a homeless shelter for men, operating primarily during the winter. The scope of the facility was expanded in May of 2008 to provide year-round housing.  The program began as an informal collaboration between community churches, and it later evolved to include a permanent shelter in 2010.

The mission currently can care for 80 men daily, and the Resource Center caters to 250 men on a weekly basis. The program has sheltered more than 1,500 men since it opened, and with the addition of Walter Bagley Hall DIMH hopes to see these numbers grow.

Sen. Coons visits Delaware Hospice Milford Center

Senator Coons visited with Delaware Hospice leadership at the Milford Center location to discuss the effect of recent healthcare reforms on Delawareans. The invitation was intended to encourage dialogue, at the federal level, about maintaining access to quality end-of-life care.

Delaware Hospice President and CEO Susan Lloyd, BSN, RN was positive about Senator Coon’s interest in assuring that the Delaware community continues to have access to these high quality healthcare services.

“Knowing firsthand the impact Delaware Hospice can have on a loved one’s life, I understand the importance of these types of conversations we had today,” said Senator Coons. “I encourage others to talk with their loved ones about their healthcare options.”

Delaware Hospice Milford Center is a 24-hour facility which provides specialized hospice care and caregiver education to patients and their families. Those who require short terms stays are given the tools they need to make a smooth transition whether it be from the hospital to the home, or to another long-term care facility. The center also offers its patients top-quality services with a home-like feel, including access to family areas like a living area, kitchen, a playroom for children, and a peaceful community garden.

Delaware Hospice has provided Delawareans with quality health and hospice care since 1982, and it remains the only licensed, community-centered, nonprofit hospice providing care to Delaware.

Manufacturing Update for November/December 2015

1. LATEST POLICY

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Senator Coons’ R&D Provisions Included in Year-End Tax Extenders Bill
The year-end tax extenders bill includes three important provisions previously introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) that will allow businesses to grow and create jobs, especially in the manufacturing industry.  The bill will permanently extend the R&D tax credit, help startup companies access the credit, and allow small and medium-sized businesses to use the credit against Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) liability.
More: Coons Release

Obama Signs 5-year, $305 Billion Bill to Boost Highway Spending, Assure States of Aid
A 5-year, $305-billion bill to address the nation’s aging and congested transportation systems was signed into law by President Barack Obama, who said it will put Americans to work and provide states with the federal help they need to commit to long-term projects. The bill, which was overwhelmingly approved by Congress a day earlier, provides a modest increase to highway and transit spending but falls short of the $400 billion over six years administration officials said is necessary to keep traffic congestion from worsening. Nor does it resolve how to pay for transportation programs in the long term.
More: U.S.News & World Report

Export-Import Bank Is Revived
Legislation signed by President Barack Obama resurrected the U.S. Export-Import Bank and ended a five-month lapse that revealed far stronger bipartisan backing for the agency than the pitched battle to shut it down suggested. The outcome now gives the bank a firm footing until September 2019, but the brawl over its existence this year left both economic and political scars.
More: Wall Street Journal 

Missouri and U.S. Chambers of Commerce Join McCaskill to Tout Her Bipartisan Plan Recently Signed Into Law to Boost Job Opportunities, Streamline Permitting
Representatives from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill to discuss bipartisan legislation by McCaskill—recently signed into law—that will boost job and business opportunities by reforming federal permitting.
More: McCaskill Release

Murphy Announces New Report Showing His ‘Buy American Act’ Will Create 100,000 U.S. Jobs
During a visit to Turbine Technologies, Inc., one of Connecticut’s high-growth manufacturers, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) celebrated new findings by the Economic Policy Institute that passage of his 21st Century Buy American Act would create up to 100,000 U.S. jobs. Specifically, the report found that by closing loopholes in the Buy American Act, including the overseas usage loophole, and boosting the percentage of American-made content of all purchases covered by the Buy American Act, Murphy’s bill would increase GDP by $13.6 billion and create between 60,000 and 100,000 new U.S. jobs.
More: Murphy Release

Calif. Congressman Cardenas Introduces Manufacturing Jobs Bill, inspired by ‘Race to the Top’
U.S. Reps. Tony Cárdenas (D-San Fernando Valley, Calif.) and Brad Ashford (D-Omaha, Neb.) introduced legislation creating a $100 million in competitive grants that will promote reforms in workforce education and skills training for manufacturing jobs. The Manufacturing Skills Act was also introduced in the U.S. Senate earlier this year by U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.).
More: California Newswire

Sen. Al Franken, Rep. Tammy Duckworth Introduce Bill to Train Workers for Open, High-Skill Jobs Legislation Will Promote Partnerships between Businesses and Community Colleges to Address Skills Gap
U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) announced the introduction of their legislation to close the “skills gap”—where jobs go unfilled because businesses can’t find workers with the right skills—by supporting partnerships between community colleges, technical colleges, and businesses to train students to fill high-demand jobs. The Community College to Career Fund Act, which Sen. Franken first introduced last Congress, will help create partnerships between two-year colleges and businesses with the goal to train millions of Americans for jobs in high-skill industries, such as health care, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and information technology.
More: Franken Release

Stabenow, Peters, Miller Urge Obama Administration to Support Funding for Blue Water Bridge
U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI) wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Director of the Office of Management and Budget Shaun Donovan urging the Administration to make the expansion of a customs plaza for the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron a high priority for funding in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Despite land being cleared and property demolished in Port Huron for the expansion, funding for the customs plaza construction has yet to be allocated.
More: Stabenow release

Klobuchar, Franken Introduce Legislation to Crack Down on Illegal Steel Dumping, Protect U.S. Steelworkers
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Al Franken (D-MN) introduced legislation to crack down on illegal steel dumping and protect U.S. steelworkers. The illegal dumping of steel products by foreign countries is harming the steel industry in Minnesota and across the country, resulting in plant closures and job losses. The senators’ bill would crack down on illegal steel dumping by strengthening trade enforcement.
More: Franken Release

Senator Gillibrand Announces New Legislation to Help Expand Small Businesses, Boost Manufacturing
Standing at Incodema3D, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced legislation to help small businesses expand their advanced manufacturing operations and create and keep high-paying, high skilled manufacturing jobs in the United States. The Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company Act of 2015 would increase capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking to scale-up and commercialize their advanced manufacturing and innovation operations.
More: Gillibrand Release

TechHire Initiative: Creating Pathways to Better, Well-Paying Tech Jobs and Meeting Urgent Employer Demand Across the U.S.
TechHire is a bold multi-sector initiative and call to action to empower Americans with the skills they need, through universities and community colleges but also nontraditional approaches like “coding boot camps,” and high-quality online courses that can rapidly train workers for a well-paying job, often in just a few months. Employers across the United States are in critical need of talent with these skills. Many of these roles do not require a four-year computer science degree. To give Americans the opportunity they deserve, and the skills they need to be competitive in a global economy, we are highlighting TechHire partnerships.
More: White House Release

Klobuchar OP ED: We Need a Nationwide Commitment to Broadband
Technology is reshaping the ways we live, work, play and communicate. The Internet is connecting communities and creating opportunities we couldn’t have imagined even a few decades ago. Today, you don’t need to live off an interstate highway or in a major city to find a good job, launch a new business or take college classes. But without a reliable high-speed internet connection, your options can be limited. In the 1930s, our country brought electricity and telephone service to communities from coast to coast. In order to compete in today’s global economy, we need to make that same commitment to connecting all Minnesotans with high-speed broadband Internet.
More: Klobuchar Release

Senator Gillibrand Announces New Legislation to Address Skills Gap, Enhance Job Training with Apprenticeship Programs
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation to address the skills gap employers face and enhance job training to help workers develop the skills they need for good-paying, high-demand jobs. The bipartisan Apprenticeship and Jobs Training Act of 2015 would create a $5,000 tax credit for employers that use apprenticeship programs to train workers in high-demand professions such as health care, manufacturing and technology. The bill also would allow veterans in apprenticeships to get credit for previous military training and experience, as well as incentivize mentoring of apprentices by senior employees.
More: Gillibrand Release

2. OTHER NEWS

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VIDEO: Senator Coons Highlights Delaware Apprenticeship Programs, ‘The Other Four-Year Degree’
U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor to recognize National Apprenticeship Week, which was created to help business leaders, educators, community based organizations, students, and workers learn about the real-world advantages of apprenticeships. 1,100 Delawareans are actively working through apprenticeship programs.
More: Coons Release

Senator Stabenow Applauds $3 Million USDA Investment in Michigan Biofuels
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, announced that Michigan has been chosen as a partner in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biofuels Infrastructure Program, which supports projects that increase the production and delivery of renewable fuels like ethanol. The state will receive $3 million to add approximately 130 ethanol and gasoline/ethanol blender pumps at Michigan fueling stations. This grant will be matched by state and local support, more than doubling the funding available to install these pumps.
More: Stabenow Release

Brown Applauds $82 Million Investment in Moraine DMAX Plant
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s (D-OH) applauded news that DMAX, Ltd. – a partnership between General Motors and Isuzu – will invest $82 million in the DMAX engine plant in Moraine. The project is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs over the next three years.
More: Brown Release

Blumenthal, Murphy, DeLauro Announce $2.5 Million for Wallingford’s Proton Energy to Develop Ultra Efficient Battery
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-3) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Wallingford’s Proton Energy $2.5 million to develop a highly-efficiency hydrogen-iron flow battery capable of generating hydrogen to power fuel cells while also storing energy on the electric grid. The battery can be recharged either using grid electricity or through exposure to sunlight.
More: Blumenthal Release

Senator Coons Speaks at Aviation Jobs Rally, Notes That Jobs are Available, Need to be Filled
Sen. Coons joined Sen. Carper, Rep. Carney and Gov. Jack Markell at Dassualt Falcon Jet to help recognize the contributions of the general aviation manufacturing industry to the Delaware economy. The event, hosted by General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomed leaders from Aloft AeroArchitects (previously PATS Aircraft Systems), Dassault Falcon Jet, FlightSafety International, and Summit Aviation to reflect on the role aviation plays in the local economy.
More: Coons Release

Klobuchar, Franken, Dayton, Peterson Announce $10 Million to Alleviate Freight Bottleneck in Willmar
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, Governor Mark Dayton, and Representative Collin Peterson announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $10,000,000 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant for Willmar’s Rail Connector and Industrial Access project.
More: Franken Release

Murphy Marks “National Apprenticeship Week”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) marked the Obama administration’s first-ever National Apprenticeship Week, and called on Connecticut businesses to expand apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state. National Apprenticeship Week spans from November 1, 2015 to November 7, 2015.
More: Murphy Release

Workforce Training Partnerships Look to Fill Open Jobs Now
Governor Gina M. Raimondo, along with the Rhode Island Congressional delegation, announced the recipients of the Real Jobs RI implementation grants available through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT). Real Jobs RI is a demand-driven initiative that puts employers at the center of the state’s workforce development efforts to train people for jobs that actually exist now.
More: Reed Release

Sen. Coons recognized by Arthritis Foundation with Congressional Arthritis Champion Award

Today Sen. Coons was presented with the Congressional Arthritis Champion Award by the Arthritis Foundation for showing outstanding leadership on behalf of people with arthritis through his dedication to protecting them from high out-of-pocket costs, by supporting arthritis research at the National Institutes of Health, and by joining the Arthritis Caucus.

Sen. Coons was presented with a plaque by Dr. Randeep Kahlon, orthopedic surgeon, First State Orthopedics and Carol Reilly, representatives of the Arthritis Foundation Representatives.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition from the Arthritis Foundation,” said Sen. Coons. “Knowing how many people suffer from this disease, it’s important to continue to support the outstanding research the foundation conducts everyday in search of a cure.”

The Arthritis Foundation is the nation’s leading organization committed to the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases affecting more than 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children. 

Delaware is part of the Arthritis Foundation Mid Atlantic Region, which serves 5.7 million people with arthritis and related diseases across 5 states and the District of Columbia. Through information, events, research grants, advocacy activities and other vital programs and services, they are raising awareness and funds to help reduce the unacceptable pain, disability and other burdens of this serious health epidemic.

Senator Coons speaks at aviation jobs rally, notes that jobs are available, need to be filled

Sen. Coons joined Sen. Carper, Rep. Carney and Gov. Jack Markell at Dassualt Falcon Jet to help recognize the contributions of the general aviation manufacturing industry to the Delaware economy.

The event, hosted by General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) welcomed leaders from Aloft AeroArchitects (previously PATS Aircraft Systems), Dassault Falcon Jet, FlightSafety International, and Summit Aviation to reflect on the role aviation plays in the local economy. 

“Today, we celebrate some of the highest paying, highest quality manufacturing jobs in this country that are right here in Delaware,” said Sen. Coons. “We know that not enough people know about these jobs.”

A PricewaterhouseCoopers study released earlier this year showed that general aviation supports 2,600 jobs and $588 million in economic output annually in Delaware. Sen. Coons during his remarks noted that all three of the companies were currently hiring for positions within their company. General aviation manufacturers believe in investing in people and products that support the local economy, promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, and employ veterans.

Manufacturing Update for October 2015

1. LATEST POLICY

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Peters Remanufacturing Bill Signed into Law by President
President Obama has signed into law legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Gary Peters, the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which requires federal agencies to encourage the use of remanufactured parts in federal vehicle repairs when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and performance and does not compromise safety. Peters introduced the legislation with Republican Senator Jim Lankford (OK), and Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-2) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
More: Peters Release

Murphy Introduces 21^st Century Buy American Act to Support American Manufacturers
While visiting Ansonia, Connecticut’s American Precision Manufacturing, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced the introduction of his 21st Century Buy American Act. The 21st Century Buy American Act will strengthen existing Buy American standards to ensure that the U.S. government prioritizes the purchase of American-made goods. The legislation will comprehensively reform the outdated Buy American Act, which was signed into law more than 80 years ago.
More: Murphy Release 

Warner, Portman, and Collins Bill to Provide Regulatory Relief for Businesses and Workers Advances in the Senate
U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced that their bipartisan legislation requiring independent agencies to analyze the costs and benefits of new regulations and tailor new rules to minimize unnecessary burdens on the economy has passed out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Portman and Warner are the co-authors of this legislation and Collins is an original cosponsor.
More: Warner Release

Trans-Pacific Partnership Is Reached, but Faces Scrutiny in Congress
The United States, Japan and 10 other Pacific Rim nations on Monday reached final agreement on the largest regional trade accord in history, teeing up what could be the toughest fight President Obama will face in his final year in office: securing approval from Congress.
More: New York Times

Statement by the President on the Trans-Pacific Partnership
I’ve spent every day of my presidency fighting to grow our economy and strengthen our middle class. That means making sure our workers have a fair shot to get ahead here at home, and a fair chance to compete around the world. My approach to trade has been guided by a unifying principle: leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses, so we can export more products stamped Made in America all over the world that support higher-paying American jobs here at home.
More: White House Release

House Bipartisan Petition Forces Vote on Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization
A majority of House lawmakers took a rare procedural move to force a vote later this month on reauthorizing the U.S. Export-Import Bank, a blow to conservative Republicans who want to close the trade bank.
More: Wall Street Journal

The Largest Apprenticeship Investment in U.S. History
Since Day One, the Obama administration has been focused on building a training and workforce system that serves job seekers and job creators alike. We’re empowering people with the tools to punch their ticket to the middle class, while giving employers a pipeline of skilled workers so they can grow and compete in the 21^st-century economy.
More: Department of Labor Release

Senators Baldwin, Coons Recognize National Manufacturing Day on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) spoke on the Senate floor to recognize National Manufacturing Day. Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) also joined Senators Coons and Baldwin on the floor in support. National Manufacturing Day occurs on the first Friday of October every year and is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.
More: Baldwin Release

2. OTHER NEWS

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On National Manufacturing Day, U.S. Industry Nears Upswing
Though recent industrial data have left little room for celebration among U.S. manufacturers, scores of production plants across the country are switching up their daily routines Friday, opening factory doors to students, parents and politicians in recognition of National Manufacturing Day.
More: U.S. News & World Report

U.S. Commerce Secretary Visits Delaware Manufacturers
When asked what attracts young people to careers in manufacturing, Hodgson Vo-tech senior Anthony Dominelli offered his own experience. “Honestly, I never heard of a millwright until I went to school at Hodgson,” he said. “But now I love it and it’s what I want to do for a living.”
More: Delaware Online

Senator Stabenow Celebrates Manufacturing Day With Local Students at Detroit Manufacturing Systems
In celebration of Manufacturing Day, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow delivered remarks at Detroit Manufacturing Systems, which opened its doors to hundreds of students, parents and educators on Friday, October 2. School groups had the opportunity to tour the plant and learn about career opportunities in manufacturing.
More: Stabenow Release

ICYMI: Senator Coons’ oped: Manufacturing Can be Transformed in Delaware
Almost every day, I ride Amtrak between Wilmington and Washington, D.C., and each day out the window, I see the site of the old Chrysler plant in Newark. Each time I see it, I think about being there 15 years ago when I first ran for public office, introducing myself to thousands of hard-working employees. Some of those men and women had just graduated from high school and others had been there for decades, but they all shared one thing in common: they had good-paying, steady manufacturing jobs.
More: Coons Release

On National Manufacturing Day, Senator Gillibrand Tours Defelsko Corp; Pushes for New Legislation to Boost Advanced Manufacturing & Workforce Development
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand marked National Manufacturing Day and toured DeFelsko Corporation. Friday [was] National Manufacturing Day, a celebration of modern manufacturing intended to inspire young Americans to learn STEM skills and pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.
More: Gillibrand Release

On Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin to Deliver Call to Action for Wisconsin Manufacturing
On the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin use[d] the kick-off of National Manufacturing Day and Wisconsin Manufacturing Month to deliver a call to action for our manufacturing economy.
More: Baldwin Release

Senator Coons, Representative Massie highlight Problems With Patent Reform Bills in Google Hangout Event
Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) participated in a bipartisan online Google Hangout to discuss their concerns with patent legislation (S. 1137 and H.R. 9) currently under consideration in Congress.  Patent expert Gene Quinn moderated the discussion and the members took questions from online viewers via Twitter.
More: Coons Release

Blumenthal, Murphy, Courtney, Applaud $6 Million from U.S. DOL to Fund Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-2) today applauded $6 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the Eastern Connecticut Manufacturing Pipeline Initiative.
More: Blumenthal Release

Senator Markey, Mayor Walsh Announce $3 Million Federal Grant to Support Construction and Hospitality Careers
Friday, October 2, 2015 – Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Senator Edward J. Markey today announced a $3 million grant from the Obama Administration to expand apprenticeship opportunities in construction and hospitality through the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development. The City’s award, part of the $175 million American Apprenticeship Grant program, will serve 394 participants seeking to advance careers in the construction and hospitality sectors.
More: Markey Release

Following Job Loss at Lima’s Joint Systems Manufacturing Center, Brown, Portman, and Jordan Announce More than $3 Million in Federal Resources to Support Manufacturing in Allen County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), and U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH-4) today announced that, following their letters in support of Phase Two grant funding for Allen County, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment has awarded $3,013,590 to the county. Allen County qualified for this grant due to job loss at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center (JSMC) in Lima.
More: Brown Release

Cardin, Mikulski, Delaney Announce More Than $600,000 in Federal Funds to Educate Hagerstown Community College Students in Advanced Manufacturing
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, together with U.S. Representative John Delaney (all D-Md.), today announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the Hagerstown Community College (HCC) $617,648 to support the development of a new advanced manufacturing technology degree program, an industrial technology certificate program and a basic electronics certificate program.
More: Cardin Release 

The $100,000 job: Be an Apprentice
Mike Taylor may represent the bridge to America’s job skills gap. He went to a 4-year college and then waited tables at a restaurant even as he struggled to pay off college loans. Two years later, he did what many Americans are doing less and less: he became an apprentice. There are 5.8 million job openings in the United States — a record high number. It’s a positive, and indicates that companies are hiring. But hidden behind the huge number of job openings is the fact many Americans don’t have the skills to fill them.
More: CNN

Sen. Coons helps unveil Delaware’s America the Beautiful quarter

SMYRNA, Del. – Senator Coons was on hand on Friday to help unveil the latest in the America the Beautiful quarter series at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This was special though, as it was Delaware’s very own quarter, featuring the wetlands of Bombay Hook. The quarter features a portrait of George Washington on the heads side and on the tails side, a great blue heron in the foreground and a great egret in the background, just two of the 276 species found at the preserve. This quarter is the 29th of 56 quarters featuring America’s national parks and other landmarks.

“This quarter is a great symbol of the natural beauty we have here in Delaware, as well as an important reminder of the key role Bombay Hook plays in the migration of many of our wildlife. We hope this quarter will remind holders that it’s up to us to protect the environment and the species that rely on it to survive and thrive.”

Former U.S. congressman Mike Castle is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the collectable coins, which started as the state quarter series and continued into the America the Beautiful series. Castle, understanding that the quarter costs four cents to make, and if people collected these quarters taking them out of circulation, the would be a $.21 “float.” The Treasury estimates the quarters program has raised between 4-5 billion dollars.

The quarter was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Joel Iskowitz and engraved by US Min Sculptor/Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

Sen. Coons welcomes 200+ bulldog cadets at First State Military Academy opening ceremony

CLAYTON, Del. – On Friday, Senator Coons visited welcomed the inaugural classes of junior bulldog cadets at the First State Military Academy. Senator Coons was joined by school board members, including board chair Scott Kidner, parents and members of the community for opening ceremonies of FSMA.

Senator Coons thanked the USDA Rural Development for their role in financially supporting the school. “It’s a pleasure to recognize USDA Under Secretary Lisa Mensa and the role the USDA plays in supporting education in Delaware. USDA RD has supported Delaware’s charter schools to the tune of $55 million in Delaware.”

The FSMA opened in August of this year with 210 Marine Corps ROTC cadets in grades 9 and 10 enrolled. The school will add 11th and 12th grades in the next two years to meet an enrollment goal of over 500 cadets and is planning to expand into other buildings on the preexisting campus as enrollment increases.

The academy aims to provide its students with an educational experience focused upon intellectual, physical and emotional growth in a setting that encourages honesty, integrity, teamwork and commitment. The school will also feature the “New Tech” project-based curriculum which offers a unique approach that starts with computer technology.

“Thank you to Commandant Patrick Galluci, as he takes over and begins to mold the students with care and leadership for the students who have come here to seek a better opportunity,” said Sen. Coons. “They have come here not just to be 

Manufacturing Update for September 2015

1. LATEST POLICY

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Vice President Biden Announces New Integrated Photonics Manufacturing Innovation Hub in Rochester, New York
Vice President Biden announced that the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF SUNY) will lead a new Manufacturing Innovation Institute to secure U.S. leadership in manufacturing integrated photonics. These emerging technologies have the potential to transform many industries—from creating “needleless” tests for medical conditions like diabetes, to increasing the carrying capacity of broadband communications ten times over.
More: White House Release

Key Senate Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill from Coons, Roberts, Schumer to Spur Private Research and Development
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to allow startup companies and small businesses to access the successful Research and Development Tax Credit. The Innovators Job Creation Act would help startups and other small companies take advantage of valuable R&D tax credits that are currently unavailable to them. The legislation, led by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
More: Coons Release

One Hand Tied Behind Our Backs: Why America Must Do Much More to Curb China’s Dangerous Innovation Mercantilism
Ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States later this month, please join ITIF on September 17 for an expert panel discussion exploring the ramifications of China’s economic and trade strategies and delving into potential remedies and responses.
More: Information Technology and Innovation Foundation 

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker Announces Designation of 12 New Manufacturing Communities Under the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Program
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced 12 new communities that have received designations under the Obama Administration’s Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative. In May 2014, Secretary Pritzker announced the first 12 communities to receive the designation under this U.S. Commerce Department-led program, which is designed to accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing in communities nationwide by supporting the development of long-term economic development strategies.
More: Economic Development Administration

Pentagon Joins Silicon Valley in ‘Flexible’ Tech Hub
The Pentagon is building a tech hub in Silicon Valley to help create new gadgetry for the supersoldiers of the future as well as tech-savvy consumers. According to the White House, the project seeks to foster “American leadership in manufacturing technologies from smart bandages to self-monitoring weapons systems to wearable devices.” It brings together the electronics industry and the high-precision printing industry in a “FlexTech Alliance” to create sensors that conform to the curves of a human body or stretch across an object or structure. The $171 million plan announced by Defense Secretary Ashton Carter will get $75 million in federal funds, and bring together electronics and semiconductor companies like Applied Materials, Apple, United Technologies, Hewlett-Packard and Qualcomm with users of the technology such as Boeing, General Motors, the Cleveland Clinic, Corning and Motorola.
More: Business Insider

Senate Passes Baldwin, Kaine, Portman Career Readiness Amendment
The Senate has unanimously passed an amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015 introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Rob Portman (R-OH) to help ensure students are ready for postsecondary education and the workforce. The amendment encourages states to create work-based learning opportunities through partnerships with businesses that allow students to earn industry-recognized credentials and credit for postsecondary education. By incorporating career readiness indicators into their state accountability systems, states will have the opportunity to recognize schools that are successfully preparing students for postsecondary education and the workforce through tools like technical skills training and college credits. The amendment strengthens the Career Ready Act, which was incorporated into the Every Child Achieves Act of 2015 after being introduced by Baldwin, Kaine, and Portman earlier this year.
More: Baldwin Release

Booker, Gillibrand, Murray, Coons, Peters Introduce Bill to Scale-Up Investments for Small Advanced Manufacturing Businesses
U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Company (SUMIC) Act of 2015, legislation that increases access to capital for entrepreneurs looking to scale-up and commercialize their advanced manufacturing innovations. The SUMIC Act creates a program that allows private investment firms to leverage funds provided by the government to help emerging manufacturers commercialize their products. The program, modeled on the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) program, would allow approved participating investment firms to invest in securities and issue debentures to raise capital that would then be invested into emerging manufacturers’ businesses. Any fees, interest, and profits received from the debentures and securities investments would offset the costs of the program.
More: Booker Release

Reed Seeks to Extend Cost-Effective, Job-Saving Layoff Prevention Act
In an effort to ensure employers can maintain a skilled workforce, and help workers keep their jobs during a temporary business decline, U.S. Senator Jack Reed introduced the Layoff Prevention Extension Act of 2015, a bill to extend the financing and grant provisions for the successful “work sharing” law Reed authored as part of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.  As a result of Senator Reed’s efforts, an estimated $500 million in federal funding was made available to help states adopt or expand a short-term compensation program alternative to layoffs.
More: Reed Release

Kaine Introduces Jobs Act to Expand Pell Grants for Workforce Training Programs
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, introduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, legislation that would amend the Higher Education Act by expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs. Under current law, Pell Grants – needs-based grants for low-income and working students— can only be applied toward programs that are over 600 clock hours or at least 15 weeks in length, even though many job training programs are shorter term. The JOBS Act would expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in high-quality job training programs that are at least 8 weeks in length and lead to industry-recognized credentials and certificates. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 3.7 million U.S. jobs are currently vacant because of a shortage of qualified workers. The JOBS Act would address this shortage by helping workers afford the skills training and credentials that are in high-demand in today’s job market. 
More: Kaine Release

Peters-Alexander-Stabenow Vehicle Innovation Act Advances in Senate
Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) advanced in the Senate today when it was included in the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. The Vehicle Innovation Act (VIA) promotes investments in research and development of clean vehicle and advanced safety technologies that will create more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and support American auto manufacturers.
More: Peters Release 

Senate, House Leaders Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Trade Secrets
Senate Judiciary Committee members Chris Coons, D-Del., Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Thom Tillis, R-N.C., together with Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc. and House Members Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., and Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation Wednesday to help combat the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars each year in the United States to the theft of corporate trade secrets. The Defend Trade Secrets Act would empower companies to protect their trade secrets in federal court by creating a federal private right-of-action.
More: Coons Release

2. OTHER NEWS

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China’s Currency Creep: The Country’s Devaluation of the Yuan Poses Potential Problems for the Rest of the World, Including the U.S.
When China devalued its yuan currency by nearly 2 percent Tuesday, the country’s central bank suggested it was merely a one-time adjustment that wasn’t cause for greater concern. But Beijing came out swinging as the week progressed, first with a 1.6 percent cut on Wednesday followed by another 1.1 percent devaluation on Thursday, leading to China’s biggest three-day currency drop in decades. The moves set the stage for international trade and currency battles and plenty of headaches for the U.S., which may get the short end of the economic stick from China’s fiscal finessing
More: U.S. News and World Report

Negotiators Hope to Wrap Up Trans-Pacific Partnership Talks this Month
After a disappointing round of talks ended last week in Hawaii without resolution, negotiators of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership are hoping to meet later this month to try again to wrap up one of the world’s biggest free-trade agreements.
More: LA Times

A Critique of CRS’s “U.S. Manufacturing in International Perspective”
The future of the U.S. economy depends in part on the health of U.S. manufacturing. Unfortunately, over the last 15 years the U.S. manufacturing sector has declined significantly compared to those of competitor nations. In the face of this decline, congressional action is needed more than ever to reduce the effective corporate tax rate; to boost investment incentives, including for R&D; to better enforce trade rules globally; and to support manufacturing innovation and workforce development.
More: Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Manufacturing Job Loss: Trade, Not Productivity, Is the Culprit
The United States lost 5 million manufacturing jobs between January 2000 and December 2014. There is a widespread misperception that rapid productivity growth is the primary cause of continuing manufacturing job losses over the past 15 years. Instead, as this report shows, job losses can be traced to growing trade deficits in manufacturing products prior to the Great Recession and then the massive output collapse during the Great Recession.
More: Economic Policy Institute

US Industrial Output Rises on Strong Auto Production
U.S. industrial production rose in July, with a strong gain in automobile manufacturing offsetting lower output from utilities, the Federal Reserve reported Friday. Industrial output increased 0.6% in July, far above the revised 0.1% gain in June. Output of motor vehicles and parts jumped 10.6%. Gains elsewhere in manufacturing rose 0.1%. The strength in autos compensated for a 1.0% drop in the index for utilities. Manufacturing, accounting for about three quarters of total industrial output, has been under pressure from tepid consumer spending and a stronger dollar weighing on exports.
More: Industry Week

A New Look at Apprenticeships as a Path to the Middle Class
With its gleaming classrooms, sports teams and even a pep squad, the Apprentice School that serves the enormous Navy shipyard here bears little resemblance to a traditional vocational education program. And that is exactly the point. While the cheerleaders may double as trainee pipe fitters, electricians and insulators, on weekends they’re no different from college students anywhere as they shout for the Apprentice School Builders on the sidelines. But instead of accumulating tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, Apprentice School students are paid an annual salary of $54,000 by the final year of the four-year program, and upon graduation are guaranteed a job with Huntington Ingalls Industries, the military contractor that owns Newport News Shipbuilding.
More: New York Times

FCA CEO, Union Agree That Two-Tier Wages Should Go
Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams agree on at least one thing: getting rid of the two-tier wages for hourly workers in the company’s U.S. plants. Marchionne and Williams formally opened bargaining a new four-year contract for FCA’s 35,700 workers Tuesday. The current contract expires in September.
More: Manufacturing.net

The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons August 30 to September 6

Sunday, August 30 at 9 a.m. – The Senator will attend the August Quarterly Worship Service. The service is a culmination of the nation’s oldest African American festival celebrating religious freedom, freedom of speech and the right of assembly. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE.

Monday, August 31 at 10 a.m. — The Senator will attend and deliver remarks at the Delaware National Guard event celebrating 360 years of service to the Colonies, the State of Delaware and the United States of America. Fort Christina Park, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 202.326.7128.

Tuesday, September 1 at 11:30 a.m. — The Senator will attend and deliver remarks beside leaders from Delaware Technical Community College to announce a federal grant award to make “STEM Up Delaware,” a program that will inspire high school minority students to go into the science, technology, engineering and math fields, a reality. Delaware Tech, along with its partners Nemours and the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, will use this program to incorporate STEM and health care education into Delaware high schools with high minority and other underrepresented student bodies. DTCC Wilmington Campus. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-685-2795.

Tuesday, September 1 at 2 p.m. – The Senator will host a press event announcing his vote on the Iran nuclear deal. After weeks of carefully scrutinizing the deal, meeting with nuclear experts, diplomats, attending more than a dozen hearings and briefings, and meeting with constituents up and down the state, Senator Coons will announce whether he will support or not support the agreement. University of Delaware’s International Studies Building, 44 Kent Way, Newark, DE. Open to press. Please RSVP through brian_cunningham@coons.senate.gov. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302.685-2795.

Wednesday, September 2 at 1 p.m. — U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons will be joined by Delaware State University President Dr. Harry Williams, Delaware River and Bay Authority Airport Administrator Steve Williams and graduates of DSU’s aviation program who are now working in the aviation industry, to announce another $5,813,539 million dollar grant to update and expand the Delaware Airpark. Open to press. 127 Durham Lane, Dover, DE. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302.650.7858.

Thursday, September 3 at 11 a.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at Unites States Naturalization Ceremony. Judge Leonard Stark will give the remarks for Oath of Allegiance to 60 new citizens from 29 countries. Open to press. US District of Court of Delaware, Boggs Federal Building, Courtroom 6B, 905 North King Street, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact John Cerino 302.573.6170.

Friday, September 4 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Latin American Community Center’s Open House Celebration in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The Latin American Community Center Open House kicks off Hispanic Heritage month in our community and is an opportunity for sponsors, funders and colleagues to visit El Centro Latino and celebrate Hispanic culture and food. 403 North Van Buren Street, Wilmington, DE. Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302.685.2795.