Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator for New York
Strengthening New York's Garment Industry
As the fashion capital of the world, New York City’s fashion and garment industry serves as an economic boon to New York State. The fashion industry employs over 175,000 people in New York City alone, representing $10 billion in wages, and $1.6 billion in tax revenue. Senator Gillibrand is committed to ensuring that New York remains as the global leader in the industry.
The continued vibrancy of the Garment District, located in Midtown Manhattan, is essential to ensuring the long term health of the fashion and design industry. The concentration of sewers, fabric cutters, and pattern makers, among other services, allows young start up designers access to services that they cannot source abroad. The Garment District remains one of the most concentrated clusters of industrial jobs in the United States and as such it serves as an incubator for young companies developing the next innovation in fashion design. Therefore, it is critical that we make every effort to maintain NYC as home to the garment center manufacturers that support young companies as they grow and support other industries.
Senator Gillibrand has been meeting with industry leaders to address their challenges and place an emphasis on Made in New York and to encourage them to utilize local factories. Senator Gillibrand also authored the Made In America block grant program – legislation to establish a competitive grant program providing new resources and strategies to small and medium-sized manufacturers.
In addition, Senator Gillibrand also pushed for full funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). The MEP program offers manufacturers, including textile producers, key resources to improve their production systems and promote efficiency, expand their markets, and grow their companies.
As Made in New York City continues to rise as an icon on fashion labels across the globe, Senator Gillibrand will make every effort to bolster the design and fashion industry here in New York.
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