Saint Paul, MN – Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota released the following statement after the Minnesota House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation committing $240 million for mapping and removal of lead water pipes across the state. The House gave final approval to the package which now goes to Governor Walz to sign the bill into law.
“LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota is proud to help build a true coalition among labor, environmental and local government advocates to protect public health and ensure clean and safe drinking water for all. LIUNA members will be put to work to combat the serious and statewide health threat posed by lead water lines, and get the lead out. We greatly appreciate the effective bipartisan leadership provided by Representative Sydney Jordan and Senator Jen McEwen. We are grateful to our partners from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, Conservation Minnesota, IUOE Local 49, Saint Paul Regional Water Services, the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, and many others who have worked tirelessly for years to make this a reality. Members of LIUNA and the tradespeople who do this work are excited to contribute to protecting the water and health of our communities, lakes, and rivers.”
