Washington, DC – (1/28/13) – Generation Opportunity, the nation’s leading youth advocacy group for 18-29 year olds, is joining National School Choice Week as a proud partner. Beginning January 27^th, National School Choice Week will be marked by a series of events and activities across the country focused on highlighting success stories, advancing school choice and education reform in America, and promoting “effective education options for every child.” The quality of America’s education system has a direct impact on the future success of the young people it is set up to serve and, ultimately, on the nation’s ability to sustain a cutting-edge workforce that is able to compete in the global economy.

“Generation Opportunity supports commonsense policy ideas that can expand opportunities for young people, both now and in the future, as many of us are proud parents, committed teachers, caring older brothers and sisters, and active members of our community. We see firsthand the positive impact that emerges when parents are empowered to make the right decisions for their children,” said Terence D. Grado, Director for National and State Policy at Generation Opportunity. “We are not a partisan generation and are instead focused on achieving results. School choice enjoys broad bipartisan support and has a clear track record of success. Thus, we are excited to join this broad coalition that has come together to advance opportunity through innovation in education.”

In 2011, Generation Opportunity supported school choice advocates in New Jersey in an effort to pass the Opportunity Scholarship Act in partnership with the Garden State Education Reform Coalition, among other efforts. Grassroots organizers launched the “Jersey Proud School Choice Tour” and helped organize a rally at the State House in Trenton. Generation Opportunity’s grassroots field team will participate in Virginia’s 2013 School Choice Day at the Capitol, partnering with the Virginia Coalition for Public School Options for a rally in Richmond. The group also plans to participate in other events this week to hear firsthand from students, teachers, and parents about their priorities and concerns.

Visit http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com/ for more information or to find an event in your area.

As chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Stearns held a hearing on the EPA’s plans to impose severe regulations on coal development, transportation, and use that would harm the coal industry, cost thousands of jobs, and limit domestic energy production. In response to Stearns’ oversight and the lack of economic growth and job creation, the Obama Administration and the EPA withdrew its regulatory plan. With the election ending tomorrow, the White House and the EPA are preparing anti-coal regulations that are expected to be released at the end of November.

Added Stearns, “According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, regulations cost American taxpayers and businesses $1.8 trillion each year. The looming regulatory burdens at the center of President Obama’s agenda contribute toward the broad uncertainty that prevents economic growth and job creation. I’m proud of my role in exposing the cost of these regulatory schemes, but I cannot be heartened by my prescientprediction that the 2012 election only would delay temporarily these new coal regulations.”

Last night, the following statement was made during the Vice Presidential debate regarding the decision of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to force virtually all employers to include sterilization and contraception, including drugs that may cause abortion, in the health insurance coverage they provide their employees:

“With regard to the assault on the Catholic Church, let me make it absolutely clear. No religious institution-Catholic or otherwise, including Catholic social services, Georgetown hospital, Mercy hospital, any hospital-none has to either refer contraception, none has to pay for contraception, none has to be a vehicle to get contraception in any insurance policy they provide. That is a fact. That is a fact.”

This is not a fact. The HHS mandate contains a narrow, four-part exemption for certain “religious employers.” That exemption was made final in February and does not extend to “Catholic social services, Georgetown hospital, Mercy hospital, any hospital,” or any other religious charity that offers its services to all, regardless of the faith of those served.

HHS has proposed an additional “accommodation” for religious organizations like these, which HHS itself describes as “non-exempt.” That proposal does not even potentially relieve these organizations from the obligation “to pay for contraception” and “to be a vehicle to get contraception.” They will have to serve as a vehicle, because they will still be forced to provide their employees with health coverage, and that coverage will still have to include sterilization, contraception, and abortifacients. They will have to pay for these things, because the premiums that the organizations (and their employees) are required to pay will still be applied, along with other funds, to cover the cost of these drugs and surgeries.

USCCB continues to urge HHS, in the strongest possible terms, actually to eliminate the various infringements on religious freedom imposed by the mandate.

For more details, please see USCCB’s regulatory comments filed on May 15 regarding the proposed “accommodation”: www.usccb.org/about/general-counsel/rulemaking/upload/comments-on-advance-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-on-preventive-services-12-05-15.pdf

“Federal government continues to usurp power from individuals, families, and the church and replaces their responsibilities with government entitlements, handouts and regulations,” said Sam Rohrer, President of the Pennsylvania Pastors’ Network. “As we heard Governor Romney say, spending is a moral issue that we must handle effectively for the sake of our children and grandchildren. While the President wants to expand government to meet the needs of the American people — increasing costs and spending even more money — Romney wants to lower spending so that it is more in line with revenues, which he wants to increase through economic growth, while focusing on the private market, individual choice, and personal responsibility, which is more compatible with Biblical teachings.”

Also discussed on the call were the stark differences between the candidates on the role of government in public life.

“As Catholics, we agree with Governor Romney and affirm the dignity and worth of each person,” said Ted Meehan, Executive Director of the PA Catholics’ Network. “Such recognition leads to both democracy and free enterprise. These are the blessings which have brought greatness to America. America’s greatness comes from the virtue and vigor of its people, not from dependence upon its Government.”

Jo Ann Nardelli also gave a powerful account of how, as a long-time member of the Democratic Party who held several prominent offices in Democratic organizations, she recognizes that “the party had left her” and no longer represented her values or beliefs. As a result, she is now a registered Republican.

“I was conflicted over the far-left leanings of the party for the last few years, but when it came to the administration’s stance on same-sex marriage, I knew this party no longer reflected my beliefs and values,” said Nardelli.

An unsuccessful lawsuit from Planned Parenthood shortened the petitioning time by about 60 days, giving the Colorado Personhood Coalition fewer petitioning days than any other Colorado ballot initiative. In spite of this, the Personhood Coalition collected over 112,000 signatures, about 30,000 more than signatures collected in 2010.

Other initiatives were also granted a 15 day curing period to make up lost or invalidated signatures, which the Colorado Personhood Coalition was denied.

After turning in far more than the number of signatures required for ballot placement, the Secretary of State’s office determined that the amendment could not appear on the ballot, discounting over 6,800 registered voters’ signatures.

“The Secretary of State’s actions unconstitutionally deprived us of our fundamental right under the State and Federal Constitutions to the initiative process which is core political speech,” explained Gualberto Garcia Jones, J.D., legal analyst for Personhood USA. “After being denied the same time frame that every other initiative received, and denied the opportunity to appear on the ballot, we have filed a writ of mandamus to ensure that our rights are recognized and the hard work of our volunteers is not dismissed.”

The Colorado Personhood Coalition’s language is different than any other in the nation, addressing a myriad of issues in detail that have never before been explored, including birth control, IVF, miscarriage, and rape.

The full language is available at personhoodco.com/amendment-text.

“Our nearly 1,500 volunteers worked incredibly hard,” commented Susan Sutherland, Director of the Colorado Personhood Coalition. “Despite the odds, we did the work and got the signatures. We deserve to be on the ballot, and we will not quit until every signature is counted and ultimately, every innocent human life is protected in Colorado.”

The poll, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies (POS), surveyed 800 small business owners, manufacturers and decision-makers at small and medium-sized companies, with a majority (55 percent) saying the national economy is in a worse position compared to three years ago. Among the chief factors survey respondents cited were federal regulations, taxes, government spending and the cost of health insurance and energy.

Key survey findings include the following:

• 67 percent say there is too much uncertainty in the market today to expand, grow or hire new workers.
• 69 percent of small business owners and manufacturers say President Obama’s Executive Branch and regulatory policies have hurt American small businesses and manufacturers.
• 55 percent say they would not start a business today given what they know now and in the current environment.
• 54 percent say other countries like China and India are more supportive of their small businesses and manufacturers than the United States.

“Manufacturers have told policymakers in Washington time and again that uncertainty and a negative business environment is turning the American Dream into a nightmare,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “The findings of this survey show that manufacturers and other small businesses have a starkly negative outlook for their future—with good reason. There is far too much uncertainty, too many burdensome regulations and too few policymakers willing to put aside their egos and fulfill their responsibilities to the American people. To fix this problem, we need immediate action on pro-growth tax and regulatory policies that put manufacturers in the United States in a position to compete and succeed in an ever-more competitive global economy.”

NFIB President and CEO Dan Danner said, “The small businesses who are the engine of our economy are clamoring for their elected representatives to stand up and lead so they can focus on the business of getting America back on its feet. Yet, instead of smoothing the way, our government continues to erect more barriers to growth through burdensome regulations that increase costs for small businesses and all Americans. It’s time Washington started listening to America’s job creators and offered real solutions to help us back to prosperity.”

Bill McInturff of POS said, “The data in this survey offer a striking picture of how American businesses view the current state of the U.S. economy. It’s clear that small business owners and manufacturers are becoming increasingly more frustrated by the federal government’s inability to solve America’s economic problems. Manufacturers place most of the blame squarely on policies coming out of Washington.”

Washington, DC – (9/24/12) – Generation Opportunity, the largest non-profit, non-partisan organization in the United States engaging and mobilizing young Americans (Millennials ages 18-29 years old) on the important economic issues facing the nation, released new polling data today on Ohio young adults as the 2012 presidential election nears. Since its launch in June of 2011, Generation Opportunity has amassed a following of over four million on Facebook and is actively organizing Millennials across America through grassroots tactics, voter registration, and voter turnout efforts. Generation Opportunity has already engaged well over one hundred and thirty thousand Ohio young adults through its social media and field operations.

“Young adults in Ohio are paying a very steep personal price for the poor economy and economic policies coming out of the White House that are crushing the creation of full-time, meaningful jobs under the weight of higher taxes and ever-expanding regulations. Every day, across Ohio, young people are forced to cut back on basic purchases such as groceries and gifts for family members, to change living conditions and move back in with their parents, to find extra work and even sell their personal possessions. Their dreams of buying homes, going back to school, starting families, paying off student loans, getting married, and advancing their careers have been absolutely devastated. They know they are getting a raw deal and are intensely frustrated with elected leaders who once promised change, but have instead created a status quo that is even more bleak and limits the prospect of independence while pushing greater dependency,” said Paul T. Conway, president of Generation Opportunity and former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor. “Our survey confirmed what we have heard on the ground and online for well over a year – if candidates want to earn the respect and votes of young people in Ohio, they need to offer detailed solutions that allow employers the ability to create full-time jobs that lead to improved lives and better futures. However, if elected leaders come to Ohio and stubbornly defend policies that have already proven to be a failure and harmful to young Americans, this generation will not hesitate to make their voices heard in November and demand change. They know America can do better, and they have the confidence to act.”

For Generation Opportunity, the polling company, inc./WomanTrend, conducted a statewide online survey of 507 Ohio adults ages 18-29 between July 27 and August 14, 2012.

Randomly selected online opt-in panel participants were sent an invitation to the survey via email which included a secure link to the online questionnaire. Quotas were used to ensure the survey was representative of the larger 18-29 year old statewide population with regard to race, region, and gender. The data were NOT weighted. The overall sampling margin of error for the survey is ±4.4% at a 95% confidence interval, meaning that the data obtained would not differ more than 4.4 percentage points in 95 out of 100 similar samples obtained.

THE IMPACT OF THE POOR ECONOMY, LACK OF OPPORTUNITY AND HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT ON OHIO’S YOUNG ADULTS:

• 85% of Ohio’s 18-29 year olds changed some aspect of their day-to-day lives because of the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):

• 55% – reduced entertainment budget;
• 43% – cut back on gifts for friends and family;
• 43% – reduced grocery/food budget;
• 38% – skipped a vacation;
• 38% – driven less/relied more on public transit;
• 37% – taken active steps to reduce home energy costs;
• 30% – tried to find an additional job;
• 27% – sold personal items or property (cars, electronic appliances, or other possessions);
• 24% – changed living situation (moved in with family, taken extra roommates, downgraded apartment or home);
• 17% – skipped a wedding, family reunion, or other significant social event;
• 3% – Other, specified;
• 11% – None of the above (accepted only this response);
• 4% – Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

• 79% of 18-29 year olds in Ohio have delayed or might not do at least one major life event due to the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):

• 42% – Buy my own place;
• 30% – Go back to school/getting more education or training;
• 29% – Pay off student loans or other debt;
• 27% – Start a family;
• 25% – Save for retirement;
• 22% – Change jobs/cities;
• 20% – Get married;
• 17% – None of the above (accepted only this response);
• 4% – Do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

OHIO YOUNG ADULTS ON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, VIEWS ON ELECTED LEADERS, THE MIDDLE CLASS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FULL-TIME JOBS:

• Only 33% believe that today’s political leaders reflect the interests of young Americans.

• 73% believe that the lack of job opportunities is shrinking the American middle class.

• 64% of Ohio Millennials believe the availability of more quality, full-time jobs upon graduation is more important than lower student loan interest rates.

• 81% of 18-29 year olds in Ohio plan to vote in the election for President this year. 

Washington, DC – (9/17/12) – Generation Opportunity, the largest non-profit, non-partisan organization in the United States engaging and mobilizing young Americans (18-29 years old) on the important economic issues facing the nation, released new polling data today on Millennials on the one-year anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Since its launch in June of 2011, Generation Opportunity has amassed a following of over 4 million fans on Facebook and is actively organizing Millennials across the country through grassroots tactics, voter registration, and voter turnout efforts.

“Young adults have been negatively impacted by the poor economy, high unemployment, and the lack of jobs both in their daily lives and in their long-term career plans and dreams. Amidst their frustrations and disappointments, the overwhelming majority of Millennials view the poor economy and lack of leadership by elected officials as the true sources of their problems – not fellow Americans who work on Wall Street. Young Americans reject the cynicism and angry theatrics aimed at those who can create more full-time jobs; instead, they simply want positive solutions that grow the economy and create more opportunity for all Americans,” said Paul T. Conway, president of Generation Opportunity and former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor. “Young adults believe elected officials fail to represent their concerns and best interests, are clearly fed up with the status quo, and plan on making their voices heard in November.”

The ineffectiveness of Occupy Wall Street to capture the enthusiasm of or inspire activism among a wide number of young adults across America was documented by the Harvard Institute of Politics (IOP) at the end of last year. According to a December 2011 IOP study, just 2% of 18-29 year olds had participated in Occupy Wall Street demonstrations, and only 11% knew someone personally who participated in the effort (http://www.iop.harvard.edu/sites/default/files_new/fall_poll_11_M_topline.pdf).

The lack of full-time jobs and economic opportunity due to the poor economy continue to impact young Americans on a daily basis, jeopardizing their careers and dreams. Earlier this month, Generation Opportunity released the non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) unemployment data for Millennials for August 2012. The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds specifically for August 2012 is 12.7 percent (NSA). The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year old African-Americans for August 2012 is 22.4 percent (NSA); the youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year old Hispanics for August 2012 is 13.7 percent (NSA); and the youth unemployment rate for 18–29 year old women for August 2012 is 12.6 percent (NSA). The declining labor participation rate has created an additional 1.7 million young adults that are not counted as “unemployed” by the U.S. Department of Labor because they are not in the labor force, meaning that those young people have given up looking for work due to the lack of jobs. If the labor force participation rate were factored into the 18-29 youth unemployment calculation, the actual 18-29-unemployment rate would rise to 16.7 percent (NSA).

For Generation Opportunity, the polling company, inc./WomanTrend conducted a nationwide online survey of 1,003 adults ages 18-29 between July 27 and July 31, 2012. Randomly selected online opt-in panel participants were sent an invitation to the survey via email which included a secure link to the online questionnaire. Quotas were used to ensure the survey was representative of the larger 18-29 year old nationwide population with regard to race, region, and gender. The data were NOT weighted. The overall sampling margin of error for the survey is ±3.1% at a 95% confidence interval, meaning that the data obtained would not differ more than 3.1 percentage points in 95 out of 100 similar samples obtained.

• 47% of Millennials would rather be employed by Wall Street than protest Wall Street.

• Only 26% would prefer protesting Wall Street over working on Wall Street.

• 76% believe that the lack of job opportunities is shrinking the American middle class.

• Just 38% believe that today’s political leaders reflect the interests of young Americans.

• 76% of Millennials plan to vote in the election for President this year.

• 89% of young people ages 18-29 say the current state of the economy is impacting their day-to-day lives (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):
• 51% reduced their entertainment budget;
• 43% reduced their grocery/food budget;
• 43% cut back on gifts for friends and family;
• 40% skipped a vacation;
• 38% driven less;
• 36% taken active steps to reduce home energy costs;
• 32% tried to find an additional job;
• 27% sold personal items or property (cars, electronic appliances, or other possessions);
• 26% changed their living situation (moved in with family, taken extra roommates, downgraded apartment or home);
• 17% skipped a wedding, family reunion, or other significant social event;
• 1% other;
• 8% none of the above (accepted only this response);
• 3% do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

• 84% of young people ages 18-29 had planned to but now might delay or not make at all a major life change or move forward on a major purchase due to the current state of the economy (Accepted multiple responses) (Randomized):
• 38% buy their own place;
• 32% go back to school/getting more education or training;
• 31% start a family;
• 27% change jobs/cities;
• 26% pay off student loans or other debt;
• 25% save for retirement;
• 23% get married;
• 12% none of the above (accepted only this response);
• 4% do not know/cannot judge (accepted only this response).

“Americans know we can do better than joblessness, poverty and debt,” said Priebus. “This convention will present our vision for a brighter, better future and it will lay out an optimistic, achievable plan to make it happen.”

“Probably no four words could better sum up the conclusion that is shared by millions of Americans as they look back on the past four years,” said Convention CEO William Harris. “We can do better than this, and the country knows it.”

Schedule Announced on Convention Mobile App

As part of its “convention without walls” program to make the convention open and accessible, Republican officials also released today the convention schedule for Monday, August 27 through the convention’s mobile app – Tampa 2012 (http://connect.gopconvention2012.com). Featured speakers for Monday include Ann Romney.

2:00 pm Chairman of the RNC Reince Priebus
Color Guard
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem: The Oak Ridge Boys
Invocation
Opening procedural steps, appointment of convention committees
Welcoming remarks, and House and Senate candidates and RNC auxiliaries
RNC Chairman Priebus
RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn
Convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris
Chairman of Tampa Bay Host Committee Al Austin
Republican Congressional Candidates
State Delegate Barbara Comstock (VA)
Representative Tim Griffin (AR)
Republican Senate Candidates
Republican National Committee auxiliaries
Consideration of convention committee reports
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus
Committee on Credentials Chairman Mike Duncan
Committee on Permanent Organization Chairwoman Zoraida Fonalledas
Convention Permanent Chairman Speaker John Boehner, Presiding
Official Convention Photograph
Committee on Rules Chairman John Sununu
Committee on Resolutions Chairman Governor Bob McDonnell
Committee on Resolutions Co-Chairman Senator John Hoeven
Committee on Resolutions Co-Chairman Rep. Marsha Blackburn
Roll Call for Nomination of President of the United States
Roll Call for Nomination of Vice President of the United States

7:15 p.m. Recess

7:45 p.m. Reconvene
Remarks by Speaker John Boehner
Remarks by Governor Rick Scott (FL)
Remarks by RNC Chairman Reince Priebus
Video
Remarks by Senator Rand Paul (KY)
Various Speakers
Remarks by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA)
To Be Announced
Remarks by Artur Davis and video
Remarks by Senate Republican Candidate Ted Cruz (TX)
Musical Act
Remarks by Governor Nikki Haley (SC)
Remarks by Mike Huckabee
Remarks by Mrs. Luce’ Vela Fortuno
Remarks by Mrs. Ann Romney
Benediction by Sammy Rodriguez and adjournment.

Tampa, Fla. – Announcing that the theme of the 2012 Republican National Convention will be “A Better Future,” Republican National Chairman Reince Priebus today proclaimed that “Americans are ready for a new direction.”

“Americans are ready for a new direction, and that’s why our convention will focus on the Romney-Ryan vision for a better future,” Priebus said.

“After four years of high unemployment and skyrocketing debt, we need America’s ‘Comeback Team’ to get the country working again and protect the American Dream for our children and grandchildren,” said Priebus.  “During our convention, the American people will hear about the priorities, experience and knowhow of our nominees and their plans to secure a better future for our country.”

“This convention will bring together Americans from every corner of the country and every walk of life,” said convention Chief Executive Officer William Harris.  “Whatever their background, wherever they’re from, they know too well that our country faces serious problems.  But they also know that the American people have confronted difficult challenges before, and that together, with strong leadership, we can overcome those challenges and secure a better future for generations to come.”

“Every day, young Americans search for meaningful, full-time jobs in a career of their choice and, instead, experience first-hand the stark reality imposed by the poor economy – high unemployment and overall lack of economic opportunity. Rather than resorting to pessimism, however, young adults are taking a harder look at who and what is creating barriers to economic opportunity. Increasingly, they identify elected officials and policies that result in more government interference with employers and overreach in the private sector and small businesses as a prime source of the lack of economic opportunity. As they continue to deal with the highest sustained unemployment since World War II, Millennials have definitely concluded that government intervention in the economy is the problem, not the solution,” said Paul T. Conway, president of Generation Opportunity and former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Labor. “In an effort to change the status quo, young adults are determined to organize and mobilize themselves on the principle that people, not government, are the creative source of opportunity and that America needs to be placed on a better path forward.”

Earlier this month, Generation Opportunity released the non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) unemployment data for Millennials for July 2012:

• The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds specifically for July 2012 is 12.7 percent (NSA).

• The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year old African-Americans for July 2012 is 22.3 percent (NSA); the youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year old Hispanics for July 2012 is 14.0 percent (NSA); and the youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year old women for July 2012 is 12.6 percent (NSA)

• The declining labor participation rate has created an additional 1.715 million young adults that are not counted as “unemployed” by U.S. Department of Labor (BLS) because they are not in the labor force, meaning that those young people have given up looking for work due to the lack of jobs.

• If the labor force participation rate were factored into the 18-29 youth unemployment calculation, the actual 18-29-unemployment rate would rise to 16.7 percent (NSA).

Generation Opportunity commissioned a poll with the polling company, inc./WomanTrend (April 16 – 22, 2011, +/- 4% margin of error) and a highlighted result for all young Americans ages 18-29 appears below:

Millennials – Economic Growth and Government:

• Only 31% of those 18-29 approve of Obama’s handling of the youth unemployment.
• 53% believe lowering business taxes increase hiring.
• 59% believe the economy grows when people are allowed to create business without government interference.
• 69% of 18-29 year-olds prefer reducing federal spending over raising personal taxes to balance the budget

Millennials – Delayed Dreams from a Poor Economy and the Lack of Opportunity:

• 77% of young people ages 18-29 either have or will delay a major life change or purchase due to economic factors:
• 44% delay buying a home;
• 28% delay saving for retirement;
• 27% delay paying off student loans or other debt;
• 27% delay going back to school/getting more education or training;
• 26% delay changing jobs/cities;
• 23% delay starting a family;
• 18% delay getting married.

ABOUT GENERATION OPPORTUNITY

Generation Opportunity is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(4) organization that seeks to engage everyone from young adults, to early career professionals, college students, young mothers and fathers, construction workers, current service men and women, veterans, entrepreneurs, and all Americans who find themselves dissatisfied with the status quo and willing to create a better tomorrow.

Generation Opportunity operates on a strategy that combines advanced social media tactics with proven field tactics to reach Americans 18-29. The organization’s social media platforms – “Being American by GO,” “The Constitution by GO,” “Gas Prices Are Too Damn High,” “Lower Taxes by GO,” “Keep Texas Awesome,” “Jersey Proud,” and “We Like Small Government” on Facebook – have amassed a total fan base of more than 4 million. The pages post links to relevant articles and reports from sources ranging from the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO), to The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Brookings Institution, The Wall Street Journal, The Huffington Post, and The Heritage Foundation.

Joining Senator Yee in his effort to take away hundreds of millions of dollars of currently-legal guns are co-authors Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles), Senator Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley), Senator Ted Lieu (D-Torrence), Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), and Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles).

Explaining his support for the gun ban, Senator Steinberg told the Sacramento Bee that “no one will convince me it’s anything other than a joke to say that having multiple clips and semi-automatic weapons that can shoot 100 or more bullets at a time is necessary in this state or in this country. It’s ridiculous.”

Also on record as supporting SB 249, the Los Angeles Times reports Attorney General Kamala Harris as saying, “I applaud the Legislature’s interest in addressing this problem and support efforts to pass legislation needed to” [ban Bullet Button firearms].

SB 249, if it were to become law, would categorically ban all “maglocked” semi-automatic firearms that are in common use, such as those which use the Bullet Button device. SB 249 does not provide for any grandfathering of existing firearms nor does it have a method of compensating gun owners for the firearms the proposed law would require to be destroyed or removed from California. The net effect would be what is perhaps the single largest unconstitutional government taking in California history.

More, SB 249 would subject gun owners to criminal liability as of July 1, 2013, for the mere possession of firearms that Senator Yee and Attorney General Harris have both said are legal under current law. Ex post facto laws, such as SB 249 would create if passed, are expressly unconstitutional.

Interestingly, however, SB 249 would create a de facto requirement that gun owners , hunters, and competitors in California use only “featureless” firearms, such as AR and AK-style guns employing compliance parts like the Solar Tactical KYDEX Grip Wraps, MonsterMan Grips, or Exile Machine’s Hammerhead Grip, which not only allow for the lawful use of factory magazine releases but large-capacity magazines as well. California does not ban the possession of large-capacity magazines. Wes Morris, owner of Ten Percent Firearms, demonstrates this is an excellent YouTube video you can view at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhC8LpHPbRQ.

Senator Yee’s bill is currently before the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is expected to be heard on August 15, though it could be heard as soon as August 8. The bill must pass both the Assembly and the Senate by August 31.

The report was issued today by Anthony Nieves, C.P.M., CFPM, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Non-Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “The NMI registered 52.1 percent in June, 1.6 percentage points lower than the 53.7 percent registered in May. This indicates continued growth this month at a slower rate in the non-manufacturing sector. The Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index registered 51.7 percent, which is 3.9 percentage points lower than the 55.6 percent reported in May, reflecting growth for the 35th consecutive month. The New Orders Index decreased by 2.2 percentage points to 53.3 percent, and the Employment Index increased by 1.5 percentage points to 52.3 percent, indicating continued growth in employment at a faster rate. The Prices Index decreased 0.9 percentage point to 48.9 percent, indicating lower month-over-month prices for the second consecutive month. According to the NMI, 12 non-manufacturing industries reported growth in June. Respondents’ comments are mixed and vary by industry and company.”

INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE

The 12 non-manufacturing industries reporting growth in June — listed in order — are: Educational Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Retail Trade; Utilities; Transportation & Warehousing; Accommodation & Food Services; Public Administration; Construction; Information; Finance & Insurance; and Wholesale Trade. The five industries reporting contraction in June are: Mining; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Health Care & Social Assistance; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING …

• “General state of business this month is flat, with no changes.” (Construction)
• “Business is steady and an increase over last month, as we begin our peak season.” (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation)
• “We are starting to experience a slowdown from the modest, grinding improvements our market areas have been experiencing of late.” (Finance & Insurance)
• “Patient counts continue to be lower than budget.” (Health Care & Social Assistance)
• “Business is still growing, but there has been a definite slowing in growth.” (Wholesale Trade)
• “We have noticed a slowing of customer counts and sales over the last 30 to 60 days, compared to the same period last year.” (Accommodation & Food Services)
• “Stable business globally, but softening backlog as clients further tighten discretionary spend.” (Professional, Scientific & Technical Services)

* Non-Manufacturing ISM Report On Business^® data is seasonally adjusted for Business Activity, New Orders, Prices and Employment.Manufacturing ISM Report On Business^® data is seasonally adjusted for New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries.

** Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP / DOWN IN PRICE, and IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price

Airfares (6); Automobiles; Gasoline* (6); Labor; Packaging Materials; Paper; and Plastic Resins.

Commodities Down in Price

Cheese (3); Copper Products; Diesel Fuel; #1 Diesel Fuel (2); #2 Diesel Fuel (2); Fuel; Gasoline* (2); Heating Fuel; and Steel Products (2).

Commodities in Short Supply

Computer Products; Gloves; and Technical/Technology Labor.

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.
*Reported as both up and down in price.

JUNE 2012 NON-MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

NMI

In June, the NMI registered 52.1 percent, indicating continued growth in the non-manufacturing sector for the 30th consecutive month. A reading above 50 percent indicates the non-manufacturing sector economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates the non-manufacturing sector is generally contracting.

NMI HISTORY

Business Activity

ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Business Activity Index in June registered 51.7 percent, 3.9 percentage points lower than the 55.6 percent registered in May. Twelve industries reported increased business activity, and five industries reported decreased activity for the month of June. Comments from respondents include: “Business sees continuous growth” and “Number of work orders increased.”

The industries reporting growth of business activity in June — listed in order — are: Educational Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Utilities; Management of Companies & Support Services; Information; Accommodation & Food Services; Retail Trade; Public Administration; Finance & Insurance; Construction; Transportation & Warehousing; and Wholesale Trade. The industries reporting decreased business activity in June are: Mining; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Other Services; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services.

New Orders

ISM’s Non-Manufacturing New Orders Index grew in June for the 35th consecutive month. The index registered 53.3 percent, a decrease of 2.2 percentage points from the 55.5 percent reported in May. Comments from respondents include: “Improved business climate — more hiring” and “Customer counts continue to fall at a faster pace than expected.”

The 11 industries reporting growth of new orders in June — listed in order — are: Educational Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Retail Trade; Utilities; Information; Public Administration; Accommodation & Food Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Finance & Insurance; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. The three industries reporting contraction of new orders in June are: Mining; Other Services; and Wholesale Trade.

Employment

Employment activity in the non-manufacturing sector grew in June at a faster rate, as ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Employment Index registered 52.3 percent. This reflects an increase of 1.5 percentage points when compared to the 50.8 percent registered in May. Thirteen industries reported increased employment, three industries reported decreased employment, and two industries reported unchanged employment compared to May. Comments from respondents include: “Expectations of new work next month” and “Adding personnel to keep up with growth.”

The industries reporting an increase in employment in June — listed in order — are: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Other Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Accommodation & Food Services; Public Administration; Retail Trade; Construction; Wholesale Trade; Finance & Insurance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Educational Services. The industries reporting a reduction in employment in June are: Health Care & Social Assistance; Information; and Utilities.

Supplier Deliveries

The Supplier Deliveries Index slowed in June for the third consecutive month, following two months of faster deliveries. The index registered 51 percent, which is 2 percentage points lower than the 53 percent reported in May. A reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries, and below 50 percent indicates faster deliveries.

The 10 industries reporting slower deliveries in June — listed in order — are: Construction; Educational Services; Utilities; Management of Companies & Support Services; Retail Trade; Transportation & Warehousing; Public Administration; Wholesale Trade; Finance & Insurance; and Health Care & Social Assistance. The five industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in June are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Mining; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Information; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services.

Inventories

ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Inventories Index grew in June for the fifth consecutive month. The index registered 53 percent, which is 3 percentage points lower than the 56 percent reported in May. Of the total respondents in June, 28 percent indicated they do not have inventories or do not measure them. Comments from respondents include: “Faster deliveries from suppliers have allowed us to decrease inventories” and “Slightly lower due to strong sales.”

The eight industries reporting an increase in inventories in June — listed in order — are: Information; Other Services; Accommodation & Food Services; Construction; Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade; Utilities; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. The five industries reporting decreases in inventories in June are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Management of Companies & Support Services; Finance & Insurance; Health Care & Social Assistance; and Mining.

Prices

Prices paid by non-manufacturing organizations for purchased materials and services decreased in June for the second consecutive month. ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Prices Index for June registered 48.9 percent, 0.9 percentage point lower than the 49.8 percent reported in May. In June, the percentage of respondents reporting higher prices is 14 percent, the percentage indicating no change in prices paid is 73 percent, and 13 percent of the respondents reported lower prices.

Eight non-manufacturing industries reported an increase in prices paid during the month of June, in the following order: Accommodation & Food Services; Other Services; Finance & Insurance; Management of Companies & Support Services; Transportation & Warehousing; Wholesale Trade; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Health Care & Social Assistance. The eight industries reporting a decrease in prices paid during June — listed in order — are: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Mining; Construction; Educational Services; Utilities; Public Administration; Retail Trade; and Information.

Backlog of Orders

ISM’s Non-Manufacturing Backlog of Orders Index contracted in June after two consecutive months of growth. The index registered 47.5 percent, which is 5.5 percentage points lower than the 53 percent reported in May. Of the total respondents in June, 36 percent indicated they do not measure backlog of orders.

The five industries reporting an increase in order backlogs in June are: Information; Finance & Insurance; Management of Companies & Support Services; Construction; and Public Administration. The seven industries reporting lower backlog of orders in June — listed in order — are: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Mining; Other Services; Wholesale Trade; Health Care & Social Assistance; Accommodation & Food Services; and Retail Trade. Six industries reported no change in backlog of orders in June compared to May.

New Export Orders

Orders and requests for services and other non-manufacturing activities to be provided outside of the United States by domestically based personnel contracted in June for the for the first time after 10 consecutive months of growth. The New Export Orders Index for June registered 49.5 percent, which is 3.5 percentage points lower than the 53 percent reported in May. Of the total respondents in June, 66 percent indicated they either do not perform, or do not separately measure, orders for work outside of the United States.

The three industries reporting an increase in new export orders in June are: Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Information; and Finance & Insurance. The six industries reporting a decrease in export orders in June — listed in order — are: Mining; Other Services; Retail Trade; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Construction; and Wholesale Trade. Six industries reported no change in new export orders in June compared to May.

Imports

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Imports Index grew in June for the seventh consecutive month. The index registered 53.5 percent, which is 0.5 percentage point higher than the 53 percent reported in May. Fifty-six percent of respondents reported that they do not use, or do not track, the use of imported materials.

The seven industries reporting an increase in the use of imports in June — listed in order — are: Finance & Insurance; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; Information; Management of Companies & Support Services; Arts, Entertainment & Recreation; Public Administration; and Retail Trade. The only industry reporting a decrease in imports for the month of June is Wholesale Trade. Ten industries reported no change in imports for the month of June compared to May.

Inventory Sentiment

The ISM Non-Manufacturing Inventory Sentiment Index in June registered 64.5 percent, which is 1.5 percentage points higher than the 63 percent reported in May. This indicates that respondents believe their inventories are still too high at this time. In June, 31 percent of respondents said their inventories were too high, 2 percent said their inventories were too low, and 67 percent said their inventories were about right.

The 10 industries reporting a feeling that their inventories are too high in June — listed in order — are: Mining; Information; Finance & Insurance; Wholesale Trade; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Management of Companies & Support Services; Other Services; Utilities; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Construction. The only industry reporting that their inventories are too low in June is Retail Trade.

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The report was issued today by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. “The PMI registered 49.7 percent, a decrease of 3.8 percentage points from May’s reading of 53.5 percent, indicating contraction in the manufacturing sector for the first time since July 2009, when the PMI registered 49.2 percent. The New Orders Index dropped 12.3 percentage points in June, registering 47.8 percent and indicating contraction in new orders for the first time since April 2009, when the New Orders Index registered 46.8 percent. The Production Index registered 51 percent, and the Employment Index registered 56.6 percent. The Prices Index for raw materials decreased significantly for the second consecutive month, registering 37 percent, which is 10.5 percentage points lower than the 47.5 percent reported in May. Comments from the panel range from continued optimism to concern that demand may be softening due to uncertainties in the economies in Europe and China.”

PERFORMANCE BY INDUSTRY

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, seven are reporting growth in June, in the following order: Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; and Primary Metals. The nine industries reporting contraction in June — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Transportation Equipment.

WHAT RESPONDENTS ARE SAYING …

• “Business is still strong, with some nagging question whether it will be sustained.” (Machinery)
• “The economy and general business seem to be getting better even though recent data say otherwise.” (Fabricated Metal Products)
• “Significant raw materials price correction underway.” (Plastics & Rubber Products)
• “Local labor market shows no signs of slowing down. Competition for technical services/skilled craft remains tight.” (Petroleum & Coal Products)
• “Overall demand signals from sales forecast are trending down in all regions.” (Computer & Electronic Products)
• “Although our shipments are up year over year and from prior month, we can feel some head winds, especially from Europe. We are watching our expenses very tightly and being cautious.” (Apparel, Leather & Allied Products)
• “Business continues to exceed forecast in all markets.” (Primary Metals)
• “Economy seems to be slowing slightly due to concerns in Europe; however, production has not changed a great deal.” (Transportation Equipment)
• “Business has started to show signs of slowing.” (Furniture & Related Products)
• “Slowing world economies, particularly China, are reducing 3Q and later orders and drastically dropping some raw material prices.” (Chemical Products)

*Number of months moving in current direction.

COMMODITIES REPORTED UP/DOWN IN PRICE and IN SHORT SUPPLY

Commodities Up in Price

Guar (2); and Natural Gas (2).

Commodities Down in Price

Aluminum; Aluminum Products; Brass Products; Copper; Corn; HDPE; Oils; PET Resin; Plastic Products (2); Polypropylene Resin; Propylene; Soybean Oil; Steel (4); Steel — Carbon Sheet; Steel — Cold Rolled; and Steel — Hot Rolled.

Commodities in Short Supply

Guar is the only commodity reported in short supply.

Note: The number of consecutive months the commodity is listed is indicated after each item.

JUNE 2012 MANUFACTURING INDEX SUMMARIES

PMI

Manufacturing contracted in June as the PMI registered 49.7 percent, a decrease of 3.8 percentage points when compared to May’s reading of 53.5 percent. A reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally contracting.

A PMI in excess of 42.6 percent, over a period of time, generally indicates an expansion of the overall economy. Therefore, the June PMI indicates growth for the 37th consecutive month in the overall economy, but indicates contraction in the manufacturing sector for the first time since July 2009, when the PMI registered 49.2 percent. Holcomb stated, “The past relationship between the PMI and the overall economy indicates that the average PMI for January through June (53 percent) corresponds to a 3.5 percent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, if the PMI for June (49.7 percent) is annualized, it corresponds to a 2.4 percent increase in real GDP annually.”

THE LAST 12 MONTHS

New Orders

ISM’s New Orders Index registered 47.8 percent in June, which is a decrease of 12.3 percentage points when compared to the May reading of 60.1 percent. This represents a contraction in new orders for the first time since April 2009, when the New Orders Index registered 46.8 percent. A New Orders Index above 52.3 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Census Bureau’s series on manufacturing orders (in constant 2000 dollars).

The seven industries reporting growth in new orders in June — listed in order — are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; and Paper Products. The 10 industries reporting a decrease in new orders during June — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Wood Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Machinery; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products.

Production

ISM’s Production Index registered 51 percent in June, which is a decrease of 4.6 percentage points when compared to the 55.6 percent reported in May. This indicates growth for the 37th consecutive month. An index above 51.2 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve Board’s Industrial Production figures.

The eight industries reporting growth in production during the month of June — listed in order — are: Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Machinery; Printing & Related Support Activities; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; and Computer & Electronic Products. The four industries reporting a decrease in production in June are: Paper Products; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Apparel, Leather & Allied Products. Six industries reported no change in production in June compared to May.

Employment

ISM’s Employment Index registered 56.6 percent in June, which is 0.3 percentage point lower than the 56.9 percent reported in May. This is the 33rd consecutive month of growth in the Employment Index. An Employment Index above 50.5 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data on manufacturing employment.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 11 reported growth in employment in June in the following order: Fabricated Metal Products; Furniture & Related Products; Machinery; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Transportation Equipment. The four industries reporting a decrease in employment in June are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; and Computer & Electronic Products.

Supplier Deliveries

The delivery performance of suppliers to manufacturing organizations was faster in June as the Supplier Deliveries Index registered 48.9 percent, which is 0.2 percentage point higher than the 48.7 percent reported in May. This is the fifth consecutive month supplier deliveries have been faster than the previous month, following 31 consecutive months in which supplier deliveries slowed. A reading above 50 percent indicates slower deliveries.

The seven industries reporting slower supplier deliveries in June — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Primary Metals; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. The four industries reporting faster supplier deliveries in June are: Plastics & Rubber Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; and Fabricated Metal Products. Seven industries reported no change in supplier deliveries in June compared to May.

Inventories*

The Inventories Index registered 44 percent in June, which is 2 percentage points lower than the 46 percent reported in May. This month’s reading indicates that respondents are reporting inventories are contracting, which has been the case in eight of the last nine months. An Inventories Index greater than 42.8 percent, over time, is generally consistent with expansion in the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ (BEA) figures on overall manufacturing inventories (in chained 2000 dollars).

The five industries reporting higher inventories in June are: Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Machinery; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The 10 industries reporting decreases in inventories in June — listed in order — are: Primary Metals; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Computer & Electronic Products; Transportation Equipment; and Fabricated Metal Products.

Customers’ Inventories*

The ISM Customers’ Inventories Index registered 48.5 percent in June, which is 5 percentage points higher than in May when the index registered 43.5 percent. Customers’ inventories have registered at or below 50 percent for 39 consecutive months. A reading below 50 percent indicates customers’ inventories are considered too low.

The five manufacturing industries reporting customers’ inventories as being too high during June are: Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Primary Metals; Chemical Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. The six industries reporting customers’ inventories as too low during June — listed in order — are: Wood Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Plastics & Rubber Products; and Computer & Electronic Products. Six industries reported no change in customer inventories in June compared to May.

Prices*

The ISM Prices Index registered 37 percent in June, which is a decrease of 10.5 percentage points compared to the May reading of 47.5 percent. This is the second consecutive month the index has reflected a decrease in the price of raw materials since December 2011, and reflects a combined two-month decrease of 24 percentage points in the Prices Index. This is also the lowest reading since April 2009, when the index registered 32 percent. In June, 7 percent of respondents reported paying higher prices, 33 percent reported paying lower prices, and 60 percent of supply executives reported paying the same prices as in May. A Prices Index above 49.4 percent, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Index of Manufacturers Prices.

Of the 18 manufacturing industries, three reported paying increased prices during the month of June: Furniture & Related Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; and Primary Metals. The 11 industries reporting paying lower prices during June — listed in order — are: Petroleum & Coal Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Chemical Products; Machinery; Paper Products; Transportation Equipment; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Computer & Electronic Products.

Backlog of Orders*

ISM’s Backlog of Orders Index registered 44.5 percent in June, which is 2.5 percentage points lower than the 47 percent reported in May. Of the 86 percent of respondents who reported their backlog of orders, 16 percent reported greater backlogs, 27 percent reported smaller backlogs, and 57 percent reported no change from May.

The five industries reporting increased order backlogs in June are: Furniture & Related Products; Primary Metals; Printing & Related Support Activities; Chemical Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing. The 10 industries reporting decreases in order backlogs during June — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Wood Products; Computer & Electronic Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Paper Products; Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Machinery; and Transportation Equipment.

New Export Orders*

ISM’s New Export Orders Index registered 47.5 percent in June, which is 6 percentage points lower than the 53.5 percent reported in May, and represents the first month of contraction in the index since June 2009, when the index registered 49.5 percent. Prior to this month, the New Export Orders Index had registered 50 percent or above for the past 35 consecutive months.

The six industries reporting growth in new export orders in June — listed in order — are: Textile Mills; Wood Products; Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; and Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components. The seven industries reporting a decrease in new export orders during June — listed in order — are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Chemical Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Transportation Equipment.

Imports*

ISM’s Imports Index registered 53.5 percent in June, the same percentage rate as reported for four consecutive months. The Imports Index reflects seven months of growth following only two months of contraction in the past 34 months.

The six industries reporting growth in imports during the month of June — listed in order — are: Furniture & Related Products; Fabricated Metal Products; Paper Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; and Primary Metals. The five industries reporting a decrease in imports during June are: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Computer & Electronic Products; and Chemical Products. Seven industries reported no change in import orders in June compared to May.

* The Inventories, Customers’ Inventories, Prices, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders and Imports Indexes do not meet the accepted criteria for seasonal adjustments.

Buying Policy

Average commitment lead time for Capital Expenditures decreased 3 days to 118 days. Average lead time for Production Materials increased 1 day to 57 days. Average lead time for Maintenance, Repair and Operating (MRO) Supplies increased 1 day to 31 days.

About this Report

The data presented herein is obtained from a survey of manufacturing supply managers based on information they have collected within their respective organizations. ISM makes no representation, other than that stated within this release, regarding the individual company data collection procedures. Use of the data is in the public domain and should be compared to all other economic data sources when used in decision-making.

Data and Method of Presentation

The Manufacturing ISM Report On Business^® is based on data compiled from purchasing and supply executives nationwide. Membership of the Manufacturing Business Survey Committee is diversified by NAICS, based on each industry’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). Manufacturing Business Survey Committee responses are divided into the following NAICS code categories: Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products; Textile Mills; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; Wood Products; Paper Products; Printing & Related Support Activities; Petroleum & Coal Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Primary Metals; Fabricated Metal Products; Machinery; Computer & Electronic Products; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Transportation Equipment; Furniture & Related Products; and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (products such as medical equipment and supplies, jewelry, sporting goods, toys and office supplies).

Survey responses reflect the change, if any, in the current month compared to the previous month. For each of the indicators measured (New Orders, Backlog of Orders, New Export Orders, Imports, Production, Supplier Deliveries, Inventories, Customers’ Inventories, Employment and Prices), this report shows the percentage reporting each response, the net difference between the number of responses in the positive economic direction (higher, better and slower for Supplier Deliveries) and the negative economic direction (lower, worse and faster for Supplier Deliveries), and the diffusion index. Responses are raw data and are never changed. The diffusion index includes the percent of positive responses plus one-half of those responding the same (considered positive).

The resulting single index number for those meeting the criteria for seasonal adjustments (PMI, New Orders, Production, Employment and Supplier Deliveries) is then seasonally adjusted to allow for the effects of repetitive intra-year variations resulting primarily from normal differences in weather conditions, various institutional arrangements, and differences attributable to non-moveable holidays. All seasonal adjustment factors are supplied by the U.S. Department of Commerce and are subject annually to relatively minor changes when conditions warrant them. The PMI is a composite index based on the diffusion indexes of five of the indexes with equal weights: New Orders (seasonally adjusted), Production (seasonally adjusted), Employment (seasonally adjusted), Supplier Deliveries (seasonally adjusted), and Inventories.

Diffusion indexes have the properties of leading indicators and are convenient summary measures showing the prevailing direction of change and the scope of change. A PMI reading above 50 percent indicates that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50 percent indicates that it is generally declining. A PMI in excess of 42.6 percent, over a period of time, indicates that the overall economy, or gross domestic product (GDP), is generally expanding; below 42.6 percent, it is generally declining. The distance from 50 percent or 42.6 percent is indicative of the strength of the expansion or decline. With some of the indicators within this report, ISM has indicated the departure point between expansion and decline of comparable government series, as determined by regression analysis.