TC Palm - Rep. Murphy's First Bill Would Reauthorize Grants to Small Business Manufacturers

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By Matthew Levin

U.S. Rep Patrick Murphy sponsored his first bill since being elected, presenting legislation designed to give a boost to small businesses.

The "Partnering with American Manufacturers for Efficiency and Competitiveness Act'' (H.R. 1418) would reauthorize a competitive grants program under the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The program encourages small business manufacturing through the promotion of clean, high-tech and efficient processes.

Murphy said the bill has bipartisan support, and he believes the proposal could have local benefits for the some 300 manufacturers in his district. He noted the sizable marine industry and turbine industry in Martin and St. Lucie counties, which could benefit from a grant program that recognizes cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly processes.

"It's way of the future as far as manufacturing is concerned," Murphy said. "If we are going to bring back manufacturing, we're going to have to do it in a smart way."

Joe Catrambone, president of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, said he's pleased to hear Murphy introduced the bill and the emphasis on high-tech jobs, a strengthening industry on the Treasure Coast.

"We can use all the stimulus we can to help small businesses," Catrambone said.

Catrambone said he wasn't familiar with the specifics of the bill, but from past conversations with Murphy he felt that the congressman understood the needs of small business owners. Murphy's own business background makes him a rarity in Congress, Catrambone added.

Murphy, a 30-year-old Jupiter Democrat, previously worked as a CPA and ran his own environmental clean up company. He became the youngest member of the 113th Congress after defeating Tea Party darling Allen West last November.

The freshman lawmaker introduced the bill as a member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Agriculture, Energy, and Trade. Murphy looked at which type of programs have worked for bringing back jobs from overseas, and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership has been one of the successful ones.

The Democrat said he chose this bill as his initial piece of legislation for its emphasis on job creation. Murphy joked that sponsoring his first bill was "not as dramatic as I hoped," but he is satisfied with the proposal.

"Small and midsize manufacturers need [assistance] most," he said. "They were hurt the most by outsourcing. That's where the focus is."

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