Minnesota Iron Miners Get research funding!

[RandyW]

MN Senate Gives Unanimous Vote To Cancer Probe

ST. PAUL (AP) ―

The Minnesota Senate has given unanimous approval to funding for research on a rare lung cancer that has disproportionately hit Iron Range miners.

The 63-0 vote puts the research one step from Governor Tim Pawlenty's desk. The House is expected to act on the bill Wednesday.

The bill takes $4.9 million for four phases of research from a Department of Commerce-administered fund that is now running a healthy surplus.

The University of Minnesota will lead the research. They will analyze death records, and conduct screenings of current and former workers and their families. Environmental reviews will also be done. In all, the research is expected to take up to five years.

[Donna G]

That rare cancer would be Mesothelioma