October 19, 2009 [CHICAGO] Praising Governor Pat Quinn for his effective leadership in passing Illinois Jobs Now!, Illinois first comprehensive capital program in more than a decade, Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers on Monday announced its endorsement of Governor Quinn.
This year, Governor Quinn has shown that he understands how important it is for our citizens to be working, James M. Sweeney, President-Business Manager of Local 150, said during an open-air news conference in downtown Chicago. The economic decline over the past year has been devastating for the construction industry. When it was time to step up to the plate on the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction bill, Governor Quinns leadership and willingness to work with legislative leaders created jobs and helped keep struggling families together. Workers need a leader who will stand up and fight for them, and Pat Quinn is that leader.
Right here in Chicago, were seeing Illinois investment in public works create jobs today and opportunities tomorrow, Quinn said. Across the street, workers are building a new childrens hospital partly funded by an $8 million grant from the State of Illinois. I am honored by the support of the members of Local 150, whose skill and labor contribute so much to the fabric of our state.
In his remarks to a group of Local 150 members, Governor Quinn thanked them for their effective, powerful support of his Illinois Jobs Now! program. Over the next six years, Illinois Jobs Now! is expected to create and retain more than 439,000 jobs, helping to revive Illinois economy.
Countryside-based Local 150 represents more than 23,000 working men and women in various industries, including construction, construction material production, concrete pumping, steel mill service, slag production, landscaping, and public works.
Local 150s endorsement lengthens the already long list of major Illinois unions that have endorsed Governor Quinn. Last month, UNITE HERE endorsed Governor Quinn, and the Teamsters Joint Council 25 and the Service Employees International Union’s Illinois Council announced plans to work together to support Governor Quinns 2010 campaign.
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