U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is warning that proposed federal cuts to New York’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers could jeopardize thousands of jobs and derail the state’s growing manufacturing sector just as it begins to benefit from major federal investments.
Standing with regional MEP leaders and economic development officials, Schumer called on the Trump administration to reverse its decision to cancel funding for 10 MEP centers across the U.S., and to guarantee continued support for the 11 MEP centers serving New York. The senator said the cuts threaten a core pillar of Upstate’s manufacturing economy.
“Trump and ‘DOGE’ are threatening to defund a main federal support program for growing Upstate NY manufacturing,” Schumer said. “These centers are how we attract new supply chains, get workers the hands-on training they need, and bring back jobs from overseas.”
MEP centers provide technical assistance and workforce development services to small and mid-sized manufacturers. Since 2019, New York’s network has helped create or retain over 32,000 jobs, supported 4,400 projects, and driven $1 billion in increased sales and nearly $190 million in new investments.
Federal funding for New York’s MEP network currently totals nearly $6.9 million annually. That funding supports regional hubs like Insyte Consulting in Western New York, NextCorps in Rochester, CITEC in the North Country, and FuzeHub, the statewide center that also acts as coordinator for the network.
Elena Garuc, Executive Director of FuzeHub, said, “Local manufacturers rely on us as a vital resource to become more competitive, adopt new technologies, and create jobs. The New York MEP is needed now more than ever.”
According to a recent Department of Commerce statement, canceled MEP contracts were “no longer aligned with the priorities of the department.” Schumer called that rationale “wrong, illegal, and should be immediately reversed,” noting that the MEP is authorized by Congress and reauthorized under the CHIPS & Science Act.
The cuts come as the Trump administration simultaneously pushes tariffs and trade policies that have driven up costs for U.S. manufacturers. “Trump’s haphazard trade war against allies like Canada is already wreaking havoc,” Schumer said. “These Trump cuts will only add to that chaos.”
Economic leaders across the state echoed the warning. Ryan Silva of the New York State Economic Development Council said the MEP’s 2024 results included more than 6,500 jobs created or retained and $200 million in economic activity—a 20-to-1 return on investment.
Schumer and colleagues have demanded a full explanation from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and a pause on all funding cuts until Congress receives a comprehensive assessment of the impact on manufacturers.
“Eliminating federal support for MEP Centers would hamper American small and medium-sized manufacturers,” Schumer said. “We must protect this essential program before it’s too late.”
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