Operating Engineers Lobby Day at the State Capitol - Recap

49er’s deliver a unified message about jobs to lawmakers

In a tremendous show of unity, about 150 Forty-niners converged on the state house in St. Paul to flex their political muscle during the first annual Operating Engineers Day at the Capitol.  The March 19th event drew Operators from all over Minnssota.

“This is an impressive turnout, showing the kind of commitment necessary to help further our political goals,” said Local 49’s Business Manager Glen Johnson, watching his fellow brothers and sisters march up the Capitol steps for meetings with lawmakers.

Operating Engineers took two main messages to their local legislators: Support a well-funded bonding bill and protect local government aid. A healthy bonding bill—which would augment the federal stimulus package and state transportation budget—means more money and jobs for roads, bridges and other construction projects.

“Putting more people back to work puts money in the pockets of those who will spend it, and increases tax revenue for local communities. This bonding bill money will help get Minnesota’s economy moving forward even faster,” Local 49’s Political Organizer Jason George told the crowd at a rally before heading to the Capitol.

As the legislative session winds down, labor will also wage a battle to protect funding for aid to local governments. In December, Governor Pawlenty slashed a big chunk of money going to Minnesota’s cities and towns, and is threatening to do so again. With deeper cuts to LGA, cities and counties could face more layoffs, reductions in basic services, and higher property taxes.

At the pre-capitol rally, House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher (DFL-Minneapolis), Senator Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing) and Attorney General Lori Swanson commended 49ers for their hard work and dedication to advancing the rights and welfare of Minnesota’s working men and women.

Rep. Kelliher praised Operating Engineer’s political will, especially when it came to helping override Governor Pawlenty’s transportation veto last session, saying the bill would not have passed without the 49ers’ help.

“This summer, when our workers are back on the job, we want them to tell colleagues about their Lobby Day experience. Hopefully, we will have an even more impressive turnout every year,” said Adam Duininck, Local 49 Political Director.

Special thanks for making Operating Engineers Day at the Capitol a success go out to Adam Duininck, Jason George, Jennifer Grundman, Local 49 Administrative Assistant, the union’s business agents, and the training center staff.