Husted in Cleveland with manufacturers and innovators, highlights secured funding for manufacturing hub

“Investments like these will help ensure northeast Ohio remains at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation for decades to come.” CLEVELAND – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today toured Lubrizol Advanced Materials in Cleveland and joined local manufacturers, business leaders and Case Western Reserve University officials for a roundtable discussion on strengthening northeast Ohio’s manufacturing economy, including funding Husted advocated for the school. “Ohio is the manufacturing engine that keeps our nation moving forward. Lubrizol’s advanced materials and Case Western Reserve University’s NEO-SMART initiative are driving innovation across northeast Ohio. Investments like these will help ensure northeast Ohio remains at the forefront of manufacturing and innovation for decades to come,” Husted said. The roundtable focused on Case Western Reserve University’s recent grant award . The U.S. National Science Foundation selected the university’s Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) initiative as one of 12 recipients nationwide to receive an NSF Regional Innovation Engines award. This comes after Husted’s May 22, 2026, letter to Acting NSF Director Brian Stone supporting the NEO-SMART proposal. The NSF Engines program can provide up to $160 million over 10 years to support the initiative. The NEO-SMART proposal outlines a 10-year plan expected to create an estimated 20,000 jobs across 18 counties in northeast Ohio. The initiative is a partnership of more than 70 organizations spanning industry, academia, workforce development, philanthropy and government. Husted also supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act in July, which includes pro-growth policies that support investment in manufacturing states like Ohio: Full and immediate expensing for investments in machinery, equipment, technology and software through bonus depreciation. Doubles small business expensing limits for new investments in machinery, equipment, technology and software. Permanent and immediate expensing for research and development costs. Full expensing for investments in new factories. Permanently expands the interest write-off available to businesses and manufacturers. Cuts taxes on tips and overtime, saving tipped and overtime workers up to $1,750 per year.