WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined Vice President Biden today to visit the Chrysler Toledo Assembly Complex, which includes the main assembly plant producing the Jeep Wrangler and three of the plant’s suppliers. They discussed the success thus far of the Administration’s actions to strengthen the American auto industry. Brown and Biden were joined by Governor Ted Strickland and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-9).
                                                               
“We all know that our economic recovery depends on the strength of our manufacturing sector, and this Chrysler plant is a great example of workers and businesses putting our economy back on track,” Brown said. “Chrysler and other auto manufacturers are rebounding, which has tremendous implications for the entire auto supply chain." 

Brown and Biden emphasized the role of the Administration’s investments in GM and Chrysler, as well as their suppliers, in helping these companies return to profitability, retain and hire workers, and keep plants open.  These investments, along with the steps the Administration and Congress have taken with Cash for Clunkers and the Recovery Act, have not only strengthened the auto industry, but have stimulated economic activity and job growth across the country.

Brown is the author of the Investments for Manufacturing Progress and Clean Technology (IMPACT) Act of 2009, legislation incorporated in the House-passed clean energy bill that would create a $30 billion revolving loan program to help auto suppliers and other small and mid-sized manufacturers retool for the clean energy industry.

Brown’s visit to Toledo is part of his “Made in Ohio Tour,” which kicked-off earlier this week. With the top priority of creating Ohio jobs, Brown is fighting for a multi-pronged effort to promote economic development – from working to position Ohio as the Silicon Valley of Clean Energy Manufacturing, to establishing the state as a hub for high-growth industries. The key components of Senator Brown’s jobs strategy are:

  • Promoting the expansion of Ohio businesses by strengthening small business lending programs and aiding President Obama’s goal to significantly boost U.S. exports.
  • Transitioning away from our dependence on foreign oil to a clean energy future in which jobs are centered in the small businesses, manufacturing facilities, and universities of Ohio.
  • Developing Ohio’s workforce so that Ohioans are prepared to fill the jobs of the 21st century and revitalizing the state’s infrastructure to attract those global industries.
  • Making sure that Ohio industry isn’t undermined due to unfair trade by pursuing remedies to counteract China’s currency manipulation and subsidization of domestic industries.


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