From the Office of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

September 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson: Technology Bill Good for Utah Small Business

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson said today's passage of HR 250-Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act of 2005-will help stimulate manufacturing, jobs and innovation in Utah.

The legislation-which originated in the House Science Committee-funds the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Matheson said MEP has proven value for many small and start-up Utah companies, particularly in rural parts of the state.

"In over a dozen visits to Utah businesses that have benefited from working with MEP centers, I've been impressed by the successful technology transfers they've achieved," said Matheson.  "Dave Sorenson, Executive Director of the Utah MEP, has been a great local resource."

An amendment added to the bill utilizes the MEP program to speed relief to small and medium-sized manufacturers affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Overall, the legislation authorizes more than $2 billion over the next three years to strengthen and expand federal programs that invest in manufacturing research and development.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)