Local 49 Statement on Chairman Oberstar’s Transportation Bill

Minneapolis, MN — Following Rep. James Oberstar’s (D-Minn) introduction of his transportation blue print, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49 Business Manager Glen Johnson release the following statement:

“We applaud Congressman James Oberstar for this bold legislation that will move the nation’s transportation infrastructure into the 21^st century.  His transportation plan will create jobs today and strengthen our economy to compete in the global marketplace of tomorrow.   Even though the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act helped put many 49ers back to work, the stimulus is only a short-term fix.  We need to do more than prevent massive job losses in the construction industry, we need to create new jobs with an eye toward the future.  With our current economic downturn, the construction industry has particularly been devastated with job loss.

“At Local 49, we understand that health care reform is a high priority issue in Washington and its negative effect on our economy.  We also understand that charting a new course on energy policy is important to the future of America.  However, we cannot delay in re-authorizing our nation’s transportation bill which will put people back to work and growing our economy.”