Saint Paul, MN — Following the release of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan's proposed budget, Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, issued the following statement:
The proposed budget includes full state matching dollars to maximize federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding, substantial investments in stormwater resiliency, and sets the table for the Legislature to meet the need for transportation infrastructure.
“Minnesota’s crumbling and outdated infrastructure is leaving many communities and families behind. This proposal makes meaningful investments in Minnesota’s infrastructure and takes a step in the right direction toward making our roads, bridges and transit safer, more reliable and connected. Now is the time for the Legislature to pass a sustainable, long-term and dedicated comprehensive transportation funding package.”
An additional $1.4 million is included in the Walz-Flanagan budget proposal for prevailing wage compliance and education for the Department of Labor and Industry, along with increased funding for the Office of the Attorney General's Wage Theft Division to better enforce labor standards and protect living wage jobs.
“Minnesota construction workers deserve good, family-supporting incomes and safe work environments,” Smith added.
