Energy Independence, Economic Health and Millions of Jobs Depend on Making the President’s Vision a Reality

Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2014) –Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers' International Union of North America – made the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“President Obama rightly highlighted the historic opportunity for our country in expanding natural gas development, and he rightly underscored the urgent need for Congress to pass a new Highway Bill this year.

“America’s energy independence, the health of our economy and millions of family-supporting jobs now depend on making the President’s vision and proposals a reality. The half-million members of LIUNA urge Congress to act. We also urge the President to take the driver’s seat by supporting concrete proposals for a new Highway Bill, including adjusting the gas tax, which has been declining in value for two decades.

“Investing in energy and investing in transportation infrastructure offer the best potential to create jobs that raise living standards, open new career paths for millions of struggling families, and which will ultimately begin to close the nation’s growing income inequality.”

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