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Building Trades tells Legislature to get the job done

The leadership of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council turned up the volume today in support of a road funding package for Michigan’s deplorable roads and bridges.

“We can’t wait any longer for the legislature to continue the hand wringing. We need action now. Michigan’s construction season is too short for more delay. We’ve already lost this season and if we wait much longer, we’ll lose next season,” said Zane Walker, President.

The organization warned that jobs will be lost if a package isn’t approved before the legislature leaves for the summer. Since construction workers bore the brunt of the economic downtown in recent years, a new road funding package would be a jobs creation engine for Michigan workers.

“This is a jobs issue and it’s a safety issue. We know there are thousands of jobs to be created as a result of increased road funding. It will also have a significant benefit to Michigan’s economy. More importantly for Michigan families, this could help save lives by reducing accidents caused by roads in extremely poor condition,” said Pat Devlin, Secretary/Treasurer.

With the potential for a bi-partisan resolution in sight, the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council is supportive of the efforts by Governor Snyder, Speaker Bolger and Leader Greimel as well as Majority Leader Richardville and Leader Whitmer. But they warn that yet another delay by the legislature would be viewed as an abdication of their responsibility to fix Michigan’s serious road problems.

“While we truly appreciate and support the efforts of those trying to resolve this issue, we will make everyone aware of those who have tried to stop the process of achieving a good solution for Michigan. It’s been 17 years since we last had a road package, and that’s just too long. Our economy depends on it, our workers depend on it and frankly our vehicles depend it. It’s time for the legislature to do the job they were elected to do and get a road funding package done before the leave for the summer,” said Shorty Gleason, Legislative Director.

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Contact: Pat Devlin, Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
(517) 484-8427