State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) has been named by the Michigan Manufacturing Association (MMA) as its House Advocate of the Year for his support of the manufacturing industry. Mayes received the award in Lansing on Tuesday.
"It's a great honor to be recognized as a friend of Michigan manufacturing," Mayes said. "Now more than ever, it's important that we stand up for the Michigan businesses and workers that have borne the brunt of this economic crisis. I am committed to creating a better business climate for Michigan companies and getting our workers back on the job."
The MMA's Advocate of the Year award is given to policymakers that have shown ongoing support for Michigan's manufacturing industry. The MMA is a voluntary organization representing thousands of Michigan manufacturers in order to help them successfully compete nationally and internationally.
Mayes has long been a supporter of Michigan manufacturers and workers. Recently, the House passed Mayes' plan to attract businesses in emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing that strengthens "anchor zones" in the state, which will help companies like Hemlock Semiconductor take advantage of tax credits in order to grow their businesses. Mayes also recently voted for a plan to expand the tax credits available to makers of advanced battery technologies, a move which has already spurred more than $1.7 billion in economic development and created 6,600 jobs.