More than 3 million American jobs, $150 billion in annual personal income, and $50 million in annual state and local tax revenues are tied to auto manufacturing, according to the Center for Automotive Research. The failure of the domestic auto industry could literally drive the nation’s economy off the cliff. Mayors from localities across the nation that depend on automotive facilities and jobs seek to make sure that Washington officials understand that there are four wheels driving America’s economic viability that must all be kept on the road.

Sensing the need for local governments to speak out on the critical importance of the economic and auto industry stimulus support from the federal government, Lansing, MI Mayor Virg Bernero initiated an effort to gather mayors and other leaders to travel to Washington, DC to voice local government support for automotive relief. He will be joined by thirty other mayors including Shreveport Mayor Cedric B. Glover and District E City Councilman Ron Webb, along and leaders from other communities that are dependant on automotive jobs and tax base.

The purpose of the “Main Street Automotive Jobs” campaign is to convey to federal officials that main street communities cannot withstand the failure or further deterioration of the American automotive industry. The loss of jobs and tax base, and the further spiraling descent of income and housing stability, will undermine the foundation of many American cities.

Working in partnership with the Big Three automotive companies, labor leaders and other partners, these mayors will visit with Senators, Congressional Representatives, and Administration officials to make their voices heard.

The week of November 17, the U.S. Congress will consider whether to provide a $25+billion in emergency loan funding from the $700 billion “Troubled Asset Relief Program” (TARP) to shore up the struggling U.S. automotive industry, which has been hard-hit by a year with rising gas prices, the collapse of the credit markets, a weakened economy, and other challenges.

On November 18 at 3P.M., the Senate Committee on Banking will hold a hearing on the state of the American auto industry, and on November 19 at 10 A.M. the House Committee on Financial Services will hold its hearing on using TARP to stabilize the financial condition of the auto industry.

SCHEDULE FOR NOVEMBER 18, 2008

9:15 AM Meeting at General Motors DC headquarters (meet with GM executives and government affairs team)

10:30 AM Local officials visit Senate and House members, meetings also requested with Secretary Paulson’s office and President-elect staff

12:30 PM Lunch in Dirksen Senate Office Building

2:00 PM Mayors Press Conference

2:30 PM Meeting with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

2:45 PM Meeting with Senator Carl Levin (D-MI)

3:00 PM Senate Banking Committee hearing on automotive industry (538 Dirksen Building)

3:00 PM Congressional Meetings and Administrative meetings

4:00 PM Debrief and next steps at GM HQ

4:45PM Adjourn

For logistics and local media coverage:

Matt Ward or Amanda Wood @ The Ferguson Group LLC. 202.331.8500