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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
Press/News Releases
ANZELC, LAWMAKERS PASS LEGISLATION TO FUND STUDY ON RARE CANCER IN MINERS
$4.9 Million University of Minnesota Study to Answers Questions on Mesothelioma
ST. PAUL – The House of Representatives today passed legislation to fully fund a comprehensive study into the causes of Mesothelioma, the rare cancer that has affected Iron Range miners. Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL – Balsam Township) applauded the passage, saying it is the right course of action for the health and safety of workers and communities of the Iron Range.
"This cancer is killing our miners and we have a responsibility to find out why this is happening," said Anzelc. "This University of Minnesota study is the best way to answer the questions that we need answered so we can protect the health of our hard working miners."
The Governor is expected to sign the bill into law later this week. Anzelc said he was glad the study will be funded through a state-funding source, not local property taxes from Iron Range communities, something the Governor originally disagreed with.
"The fair way to fund this study is through state funds, not IRRRB dollars that would raise property taxes on the Iron Range," said Anzelc. "This has been a statewide health problem for over 30 years and a state funded response makes the most sense."
The University of Minnesota will conduct the 5-year study and report the legislature every year on its progress. The study will be conducted independently, without any undue influence from the local mining companies. Anzelc said this is an important aspect of the study.
"We need to make sure the University of Minnesota can move forward with an unfettered, transparent study," said Anzelc. "That is why there can be no pressure or involvement from the mining companies."
The study will focus on establishing the exact cause of the cancer in miners, look at the family health histories, as well as provide recommendations about ways miners can limit risk of contracting the cancer.
"Right now, all we know is that this cancer is killing our miners, we don’t know if it's something in the ore body, or something else," said Anzelc. "If it's in the iron ore, what can we do to protect our miners? If it's something in the process, what can we do differently to protect our miners? This study is the best way to answer those questions."
Unlike many other state funded studies that often receive initial or partial grants, this study is completely funded in the bill. Anzelc said fully funding the $4.9 million study prevents it from being stalled or hindered by legislative inaction in the future.
"We cannot afford to have delay or denial, it's too important," said Anzelc. "By funding the study upfront we can get to the bottom of this as soon as possible."
News Items
- STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANZELC APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:00AM)
- Rep. Tom Anzelc participates in Governor Dayton’s “Working for Minnesota Jobs” discussion with Essar Steel and Magnetation - (Posted: 2012-10-03 00:00:00)
- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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