Jobs for Minnesotans issues statement on Senate’s passage of H.J. Res. 140, overturning 20-year mineral withdrawal in northeast Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
St. Paul, MN: The United States Senate has voted for and passed H.J. Res. 140, overturning the 20-year mineral withdrawal in northeast Minnesota. The joint resolution opens over 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest for exploration and development of critical minerals that are abundantly available in our state. Jobs for Minnesotans welcomes the news, as exploration and development are critical pathways for job growth and economic opportunities.
“The passage of H.J. Res. 140 is a victory for our region and a vital step forward in bolstering mining in Minnesota, one of our state’s vital economic engines. This progress ensures our state remains competitive when it comes to workforce and jobs, not to mention the global impact of reducing foreign dependence for these critical minerals,” said Dave Lislegard, Executive Director of Jobs for Minnesotans. “Our employers and workers are ready to prove that when given the opportunity, Minnesota can lead the nation in delivering safe, environmentally responsible results. Good jobs are not a partisan issue; when state and federal leaders prioritize the workforce, we all benefit.”
The passage of H.J. Res. 140 unlocks thousands of direct jobs in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties. Furthermore, the resolution will drive demand for union construction jobs and labor hours while generating significant “spinoff” economic activity in industries like retail, healthcare, and education. Progress created by legislation like H.J. Res. 140 ensures that Minnesota can regain a foothold as a state that attracts and supports economic investment and jobs that enhance the lives of Minnesotans.
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About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan coalition representing business, labor, and communities, advocates for responsible job creation and growth to improve economic opportunity across Minnesota. The organization is committed to building a state that attracts and supports economic investment and jobs to enhance the lives of Minnesotans. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow Jobs for Minnesotans on LinkedIn and find the coalition on facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
Press Contact
Samantha Hanson, samantha@giantvoices.com, (218) 576-7236