OSCPA encourages release of CHIPs funding

Hannah News Service 

OSCPA joined the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and other business groups this week to send a letter to President Joe Biden and the U.S. Department of Commerce urging the immediate release of CHIPS and Science Act funding.  

The groups noted that since the passage of the CHIPS Act over two and a half years ago, multiple businesses have created new production facilities, expanded existing facilities, and entered into development agreements with federal, state and local government agencies to increase American manufacturing and guard against future supply chain disruptions in an industry critical to American national security and economic growth. 

“The CHIPS Act passed over two years ago, and these funds are long overdue to reach domestic chipmakers across the United States,” said Ohio Chamber President and CEO Steve Stivers. “It is disappointing that manufacturers that are either based in or operating in the United States, or both, that employ thousands of Americans and contribute to a robust supply chain across the country, are still waiting to receive funds from commitments made by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, and other federal agencies to capitalize on the opportunity to re-establish the United States as the global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.” 

The signatory business organizations are asking the Biden administration to “remove any roadblocks that may exist, ensuring that the funds highlighted as critical to the success of the objectives of these laws are delivered as promptly as possible.” 

“We, the undersigned organizations, write to implore you and officials across your administration to take decisive steps ensuring that federal funds made available by the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, and others across the federal government be delivered to their intended recipients -- entities who have applied for federal grants or entered into contractual partnerships to manufacture semiconductor chips in the United States -- in the next 30 days,” the letter states.  

In addition to the Ohio Chamber and OSCPA, the following organizations joined the letter to the Biden administration: Oregon Business & Industry, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of New York State, Ohio Council of Retail Merchants, Ohio Business Roundtable, Oregon Business Council, Technology Association of Oregon, Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association, Ohio Home Builders Association, Ohio Pharmacists Association, Ohio Auto Dealers Association, Ohio REALTORS, Ohio Chemistry Technology Council, Ohio Bankers League, Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce (NM), and Sandoval Economic Alliance (NM).