Unions give bonding, stadium bills one last push before Monday's votes

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_5223

By Michael Moore, Union Advocate editor
4 May 2012

ST. PAUL - Union members swarmed the Minnesota Capitol in a last-ditch effort to drum up support among lawmakers for two bills that, together, would create tens of thousands of jobs for union members in the struggling construction trades.

The bills – one to build and repair the state’s infrastructure and another to finance construction of a new Vikings stadium downtown Minneapolis – are scheduled to receive votes on the House floor Monday, according to House Speaker Kurt Zellers.


Ted Michalek of Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 joins a rally for jobs at the Capitol.

Photo by Michael Moore


Until those votes take place, union leaders said, the full-court press at the Capitol will continue.

“The message to our members is to call your legislators and tell them they need to do what’s right for Minnesota and put some people back to work,” said Harry Melander, president of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council.

FULL story at link.

[tularetom]

1. I'm happy to see the prospect of work for union members but

Wouldn't it be better if all of the taxpayer dollars that are going to support this project were used instead to repair or replace the crumbling roads, bridges, water and sewer mains, supply and treatment facilities, schools, government buildings, electrical and gas distribution networks, and rail facilities in Minnesota?

Better to use the money for the benefit of all the taxpayers (including the union members and their families) than to use it to make some gazillionaire team owners wealthier than they already are.

[Omaha Steve]

2. A lady on Hartman said much of that too

As long as they don't get around the vote of the people law, then it is up to the majority.

Omaha and Sarpy county taxpayers didn't get to vote on new baseball stadiums.