The Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss the economic impact of the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership (OMEP) and its funding needs. Key testimonies highlighted OMEP's significant contributions to the state's economy, reporting over $3.9 billion in economic impact and the creation of more than 20,000 jobs over the past decade.

During the meeting, representatives from OMEP shared success stories of small manufacturers, including Blue Lotus Chai in Eugene and Xenophores Products in Arikriel, which collectively generated over $10 million in economic impact and created 50 jobs. OMEP's biennium budget request stands at $2 million, with hopes for additional funding to continue supporting Oregon's manufacturing sector.

Thomas Butowsky, a senior adviser from the Northwest Economic Research Center at Portland State University, provided an independent analysis of OMEP's programs. He emphasized the importance of evaluating economic impacts such as employment, output, and labor income, noting that participation in OMEP programs has significantly increased since 2017. Butowsky's analysis suggests that the benefits of these programs extend beyond immediate outcomes, positively affecting the broader supply chain and community spending.

The meeting underscored the critical role of OMEP in fostering economic growth and job creation in Oregon, with committee members expressing support for continued investment in these initiatives. The discussions set the stage for potential funding decisions that could further enhance the state's manufacturing capabilities.