South Bend, Ind. — U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly was awarded the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) award for ‘Manufacturing Legislative Excellence’ today in recognition of his support for manufacturing jobs and companies in Indiana and across the country.
Donnelly said, “The manufacturing industry is central to Indiana’s economy and to the success of Hoosier families and communities. I am honored to receive this award and will continue working to ensure that Indiana manufacturers have the opportunity to grow, and continue providing good jobs to Hoosier workers.”
Aric Newhouse, NAM Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations, said, “Manufacturers in Indiana and throughout the United States are leading an innovation revolution, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before. However, manufacturers are often disproportionately and adversely impacted by decisions made by policy and lawmakers. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Senator Donnelly who understand what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will energize the manufacturing economy.”
Manufacturing plays a larger role in the Indiana economy than it does in any other state. Roughly 30% of economic activity in Indiana derives from manufacturing, the highest percentage in the nation. Donnelly helped lead the fight to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, the official export credit agency of the United States, which is a tool used by manufacturers large and small in Indiana to compete in the global economy. Donnelly has also supported the effort to make the research and development tax credit permanent, and has worked to close the skills gap through job training opportunities and affordable higher education.
Donnelly recently received the National Federation of Independent Business Guardian of Small Business Award in recognition of his work on policies that support small businesses. Earlier this year, Donnelly also received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for supporting policies that encourage economic growth and job creation.
