“It’s Time to Be Grown-Ups”

Statement of LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan on the Introduction of the Update Act

Washington, DC. (February 4, 2015) – Terry O’Sullivan, General President of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – made the following statement today regarding Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s introduction of the Update Act:

Congressman Blumenauer’s proposal to adjust the gas tax to pay for desperately needed investment to make our roads and bridges safe is a bargain American motorists will accept if Congress and the President lead on the issue.

While roads and bridges crumble – contributing to an estimated 10,000 deaths a year, according to research on poor road conditions – the main way our country pays for surface transportation has been frozen since 1993. Since then, the gas tax has lost 40 percent of its value.

Congress has many viable options to choose from, but one thing’s certain: It’s time to end the ideological logjam over taxes. For a little courage, there’s a proud tradition to lean on when it comes to adjusting the gas tax. President Roosevelt did it. As did Presidents Eisenhower, Reagan, Bush and Clinton. It’s time to be grown-ups and acknowledge to the American people that we get what we pay for.

#

The half-million members of LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America – are on the forefront of the construction industry, a powerhouse of workers who are proud to build America.