Governor to sign Iron Range health study bill

I just got word from a source at the Capitol that Gov. Tim Pawlenty will sign a bill funding mesothelioma research for former and current Iron Range miners to determine if there is a link between this rare cancer and taconite fibers. Funding for the study will come from state sources and not from the Range’s taconite funds, which many believe should be dedicated to communities, schools and economic development. (The taconite tax has funded the University of Minnesota, in part, for decades).

I don’t know if this development is part of a deal or if Pawlenty had a change of heart after threatening to veto the bill last week. In any event this is good news. With luck, this University of Minnesota study of about 7,000 people will lead to a clearer understanding of this issue and, ideally, a safer workplace for Iron Range miners in the 21st Century.

Kudos to all those who made this happen.

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    I like how Pawlenty tried to make Iron Range Resources pay for it.

    Someone could point out to him that our taconite taxes are indeed paying for the project via the funding that is diverted to support the University of Minnesota. Maybe that would make him sleep better, knowing that once again the Range citizenry has paid their own bills rather than getting some kind of candy from Twin Cities voters, eh?

    I dislike our governor more intensely every day.

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