Operating Engineers Local 49 Statement on Passing of Stimulus bill

MINNEAPOLIS-ST.PAUL, Minnesota - Congress’ approval today of the President Obama’s economic stimulus recovery plan was met with enthusiasm from Glen Johnson, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers (I.U.O.E)/Local 49.

“This blueprint to recovery is a major victory for the nation’s working people, and that also means victory for everyone in this country,” said Johnson, moments after the final congressional hurdle was cleared. “Not only is there a significant investment in the nation’s infrastructure, meaning a substantial amount of work for the men and women in the construction industry, but the $400 per worker credit for lower- and middle-income taxpayers will prime America’s economic pump and create even more jobs in the process.

“We are grateful to the support from many of organized labor’s longtime supporters on Capitol Hill, in particular Minnesota’s own Jim Oberstar.”

Johnson, whose union represents more than 13,000 men and women in Minnesota, North and South Dakota, added that he’s looking forward to seeing President Obama sign this landmark legislation. “Every American should pause for a moment in their busy lives and tune in, when the president’s signature makes real this historic moment.”