This is the program that funds my job and predictably, because it does a good thing, it is on the chopping block in #45’s budget.
I’m not surprised. We heard practically right after New Year’s that our program was on “the list.” Almost immediately after returning to work after the holidays, I was pulling data and sending it to DC to our lobbyists to show the positive impact our program had in our state.
I was prepared, but I am still upset and sad that my program is on the list. We do good. Our sole purpose is to help manufacturers – small manufacturers – remain competitive and stay in business. In FY 2016, the work my program did helped manufacturers realize almost $1 billion dollars in economic impact.
I don’t understand how we are supposed to “make america great again” if we shutter the programs that do just that. But I’m thinking logically, which is a no-no right now. Some might call my program corporate welfare. What’s wrong with that? Corporations benefit in a myriad of ways from the government. Our companies pay for our services, but the fee is lower because of our government funding. Otherwise, they would not be able to afford these services.
Small business is the backbone of this country, and they are the job creators. Small businesses will adde more jobs as they grow than a huge behemoth.
Even though I knew my program was likely to be on the list, I am angry. I am angry because we do the work to help manufacturers succeed that #45 ran on. I’m angry because #45 doesn’t understand manufacturing, doesn’t understand supply chains, doesn’t understand global economic patterns, doesn’t understand anything frankly.
Hopefully, my program will be OK. We have bipartisan support and other than a brief time in 2003, we have always been fully funded by Congress. I know things are very bizarre right now, but I hope Congress will do the right thing by my program.
It truly is more to me than my job. I believe in what my org does. I have visited and talked to so many manufacturers, and I feel like I know them. I’ll be OK if my program ends, but my state and the nation will suffer if this program ends.
North Carolina is 5th in the nation and 1st in the Southeast for manufacturing. We have 10,400 manufacturing establishments in the state, and manufacturing is still a major contributor to GDP. Half a million people are employed in manufacturing in NC, and manufacturing has a huge multiplier effect in the local economy. I could go on and on with statistics, but are they alternative facts?
And let me assure you, I am sickened by the other proposed cuts. Meals on Wheels? PBS? Minority economic development grants? The arts and humanities? Sickened. It all sickens me.
I know (hope?) that most of the proposed cuts will not make it into law, but I am sickened by the intent. And all those voters for #45 who are dismayed have little sympathy from me. You should have known better. The evidence was in front of your face, but you voted for him anyway. How could you be so ridiculous? How could you be so hateful? How could you have allowed yourself to be so deluded?
It is mad world in which we live. I just hope we make it to the other side.
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Family Building With a Twist 
I would say that it boggles the mind but I think my mind can’t be boggled any more than it already has been by all the ludicrous decisions of all the previous days.
I’m with you – no sympathy for those who voted for this and are now surprised that he meant what he said.
I hope your program stays safe.
This makes no sense, based on his campaign promises to helping US manufacturing and keep jobs in America. But nothing he does makes any sense to me.
This sucks and I’m sorry. Let us know if there’s any action we can take to help you with our congress and senate reps.
I share your outrage, but I have no other words. I certainly can’t fathom a vote for Trump, and the actually tone of his presidency so far has made it even more difficult than it was during the campaign. I hope it turns out to be bluster and this budget emerges in a more moderate form once it moves through Congress.