Industry Group Blames Washington for Lack of Manufacturing Growth

In January 2014, the Alliance for American Manufacturing partnered with United Steelworkers to survey American voters about problems in the manufacturing industry. The survey, conducted by North Star Opinion Research and the Mellman Group, revealed that manufacturing job loss is the top concern identified by participants. This issue ranks above education, taxes, retirement security, and the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor, and the industry group is encouraging lawmakers to make the manufacturing industry a higher priority.

Survey participants identified the manufacturing industry as the most important industry in the US economy. More than 70 percent of the participants also indicated they worry a great deal or worry the most about the loss of manufacturing jobs. Although many employers claim there is a shortage of skilled manufacturing workers, survey participants think outsourcing is the biggest reason for job loss in the manufacturing industry. Despite recent media coverage of the reshoring trend, just 13 percent of voters believe this trend actually exists.

Scott Paul, president of the AAM industry group, says lawmakers have a clear mandate from the public to pass laws and create initiatives that will create new jobs. He also says there should be nothing stopping lawmakers from taking action to rebuild the manufacturing industry and put people back to work. Approximately 80 percent of voters support spending federal and state tax dollars to buy American-made products whenever possible, which is just one way Washington insiders can encourage growth in the manufacturing industry. Voters also support creating state and federal training programs, offering tax incentives for investing in manufacturing, and enforcing trade agreements with other countries.

Paul says the best way for the manufacturing industry to thrive is for lawmakers to develop policies and strategies that support workers and innovators. He says politicians should be prepared to enforce US trade laws, get tough with China, invest in the American workforce, and create incentives for buying goods made in America. Without these actions, it will be difficult for American manufacturing companies to compete on a global scale and to create a sustainable American middle class. Voters believe the US needs to get tough with other countries to prevent currency manipulation and put a stop to the unfair trade practices that make it harder for American companies to do business.

The results of this survey show how important the manufacturing industry is to American voters. Most people are in favor of offering incentives to American manufacturers and encouraging people to purchase American-made goods whenever possible. Now that lawmakers know what voters want, it is up to them to set policies that will bring the American manufacturing industry back to its former glory. Restoring the industry will create jobs and improve the US economy, making it an important initiative.

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