Democratic whip visits suburban factory to tout manufacturing policy

Some experts say government isn’t doing enough to foster industry

As he toured a suburban Chicago factory on Thursday, U.S. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer touted his “Make It In America” campaign, which aims at creating ideal conditions for manufacturing companies to innovate and add jobs.

To do that, legislators have introduced a series of bills that call for incentives, public-private partnerships and other initiatives.

So far, 10 bills have become laws, including one that created tax breaks and funded a loan program for small businesses.

But others who weren’t on the Maryland congressman’s tour of Bimba Manufacturing Co.’s plant in University Park say the efforts so far aren’t enough to strengthen the country’s manufacturing base.

“It’s not necessarily window dressing, but (lawmakers) haven’t addressed the national issues that need to be addressed,” Mark Denzler, vice president and chief operating officer at the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, said in a phone interview. Please click here to read the rest of Alejandra Cancino’s story in the Chicago Tribune.