The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has issued a statement in reaction to the 2010 Congressional midterm elections.

The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) has issued the following statement in reaction to the 2010 Congressional midterm elections:

“Like 2008, Americans this year sent Washington a message about change. The next Congress, despite being divided, must govern with steadfast attention to doing what it can to improve the nation’s high unemployment rate and make manufacturing a priority again.

“The chemical industry is one of the most regulated industries in manufacturing and is also one of the safest in which to work. Our industry is also among the largest exporters of U.S. manufactured goods. Many SOCMA members are small businesses, which are most negatively impacted by the high cost of environmental and other regulation.

“In order for America to succeed, greater effort must be made to include working with small and large manufacturers alike and other stakeholders to reduce or remove regulatory burdens that impose barriers to chemical manufacturing and job growth in our industry.

“These burdens are real and they cripple our members’ ability to remain competitive. Tax cuts, while helpful, are short-term solutions when we also need a long-term strategy that includes regulatory reform. We don’t want our future to be one in which products continue to be innovated here in the U.S. only to have the high cost of regulation force production overseas. There are better alternatives to ensure jobs remain here in the U.S.

“SOCMA is prepared to play a helpful role in educating new members of Congress about the important role the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry plays in supporting our economy and everyday living.”

For additional details, visit www.choosesocma.com.