AFL-CIO to Lawmakers: Grid Modernization All About Jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Calling it a major investment that would boost economic development throughout the state, the Illinois AFL-CIO today officially endorsed legislation that would modernize and strengthen the state's electric grid and create 2,450 good-paying jobs.

Illinois AFL-CIO President Michael T. Carrigan called on the Illinois General Assembly to override the Governor's veto of SB 1652 during the upcoming veto session in Springfield this week.  The legislation was passed by both the Illinois House and Senate in the spring.

"The $3.2 billion long-term investment over the next decade would not only modernize and make much-needed infrastructure upgrades to our electrical grid system, but would also provide scores of good paying jobs throughout Illinois," said Carrigan, whose organization represents nearly 900,000 members in Illinois.

"With the state's unemployment at 10 percent, one of the highest in the nation, lawmakers have an opportunity to create jobs, spur economic development, meet the demands of a new 21st Century economy and make Illinois more competitive with other states," Carrigan added. "Replacing our aging infrastructure will put Illinoisans back to work, reduce outages and ensure reliability."

Carrigan said the infrastructure improvements, economic development benefits and improved reliability, consumer protections and regulatory oversight, and long-term savings will far outweigh the annual rate increase of $3.40 per year for Ameren Illinois residential customers during the next 10 years.

The Illinois AFL-CIO joins dozens of labor groups, environmental organizations and business associations that support legislation to modernize the state's electrical grid. They include:

IBEW Local 15; IBEW Local 51; IBEW Local 196; IBEW Local 9: IBEW Local 309; IBEW Local 649; IBEW Local 1455; IBEW Local 702; Illinois Energy Association; Illinois Business Roundtable; Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce; Laborers Local 100; Laborers Local 459; Laborers Local 12 Counties; Pipefitters Local 101; Pipefitters Local 360; Sierra Club; Natural Resources Defense Council; MidAmerican Energy; Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; and the Illinois Community College Leadership Foundation.

SOURCE AFL-CIO

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