Local 49 Leader Calls for Job Creation Legislation

LOCAL 49 LEADER CALLS FOR JOB CREATION LEGISLATION

Coalition urges Governor and House Repulicans to Act Now



February 11, 2008 - St. Paul, MN - International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49 Business Manager Glen Johnson joined a coalition of organizations from around the state calling for a comprehensive transportation-funding package to create jobs and improve roads and bridges.

Progress in Motion kicked off its campaign with a news conference in St. Paul.

Johnson and coalition members called on Minnesota House Republicans to override an anticipated veto of a transportation bill by Governor Tim Pawlenty.

We've been down this road before but we keep hitting a road-block - the Governor's desk, Johnson said referring to previous gubernatorial vetoes. We need the Governor to spend less time looking for a job in Washington and more time creating jobs here at home.

During the 2007 Legislative Session, a transportation-funding bill was passed by over two-thirds of the Minnesota Legislature, but vetoed by the Governor. The legislation would have increased funding for highways and transit by approximately $800 million per year for 10 years. The state estimates that trunk highways are short $1 billion per year for the next 20 years.

Our skilled labor pool is suffering casualties,Johnson told reporters and supporters. Minnesota contractors that have been in business for decades are being forced to close their doors. Other contractors have to cross state lines just to find work. But they shouldn't have to. We have a backlog of important projects here in our own state.

Progress in Motion is a coalition that includes organizations serving the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, the highway industry, transit system, businesses, labor unions, environmental groups, local governments and agricultural groups.

This is the year for the legislature and the Governor to get the job done, said Gary Sauer, CEO of Tiller Corporation. As their constituents, we will not stand for politics as usual while our (transportation) infrastructure crumbles along with our economic future.

For more information about Progress in Motion, go to www.transportationalliance.com