Ohio’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership is facing a sudden freeze on millions of dollars in federal funding after the U.S. Department of Commerce cited an ongoing federal review of the program. According to the Ohio Manufacturers Association, the loss of funding could mean several programs will be halted at the end of the year.

At issue is the Commerce Department’s Office of Inspector General looking into allegations of fraud or misconduct — and deviating from its usual procedure because it has not filed a report on preliminary findings that would give administrators of the MEP programs a chance to address concerns.

Manufacturers across Ohio receive support from MEP programs, which according to WCMH’s report, has generated 24,000 jobs since 2020 in one region alone.

If there is fraud and misconduct to root out, of course the Commerce Department should be working to find it and help the MEP address it. But to deviate from standard procedure and shut off funding BEFORE filing a preliminary report that would help determine next steps seems irresponsible and detrimental to Buckeye State manufacturers.

Surely U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and officials within his department will take another look at the freeze — or be more transparent about the reasons for it — soon.