The Council on Competitiveness Urges President Obama to Improve America's Manufacturing Future

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Jan 24, 2012, 10:29 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on Competitiveness urges the President and Congress to implement the recommendations put forth by hundreds of American leaders in MAKE: An American Manufacturing Movement.

The President's State of the Union must set goals and advance an agenda on par with America's challenges. We must create 21 million jobs in 10 years to reduce unemployment to five percent. We must slash government debt by $4 trillion over the next decade to ensure the solvency of the United States. We also must invest $2.2 trillion in critical infrastructure to support a growing economy. A robust American manufacturing sector is central to each of these imperatives.

Millions of Americans long for effective action by their political leaders. The Council calls on the White House and Congress to dramatically accelerate efforts to fix tax, regulatory, trade, skill, financial and infrastructure limitations that would make production in America more attractive.

From Benjamin Franklin to Steve Jobs, our tinkerers, inventors, craftsmen and entrepreneurs have fueled America's growth. But the model of "invent here, make there" is not a path to economic prosperity. Manufacturing creates wealth. It is critical to our economy and national security. It is a driver of jobs, productivity and higher living standards for our citizens.

The Council looks forward to continuing its work with the Administration and Congress to address the challenges facing U.S. manufacturers.

Council President & CEO Deborah L. Wince-Smith will host a press briefing at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 to respond to President Obama's State of the Union Address. The briefing will be held at the Council's offices located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 850, Washington D.C. 20005.

For more information, please see MAKE: An American Manufacturing Movement.

About the Council on Competitiveness

For 25 years the Council on Competitiveness has developed solutions to drive U.S. competitiveness, productivity and standard of living. We are CEOs of major American corporations; presidents of the nation's top universities, colleges and community colleges; and leaders of labor unions whose membership extends nationwide.

PRESS CONTACT:
Douglas Rohde
Communications Director
T (202) 383-9507
F (202) 969-3406
[email protected]

SOURCE Council on Competitiveness