Landover, Md. (December 12, 2018) -- Yesterday, the Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, announced during a press conference that $3.5 billion would go towards the construction and renovation of Maryland’s public schools over the next five years.

To reach the $3.5 billion figure, $1.6 billion would come from the current state budget and casino revenue would generate the additional $1.9 billion.

Governor Hogan made the funding announcement at Highland Park Elementary School where members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) attended the press conference in support of Hogan’s initiative. 

“The only questions students should have in school should be on what they’re learning in their classes not whether or not their school was built safely.” said Ernest Ojito, LIUNA Local Union 202 Business Manager and Maryland resident, who attended the conference. “When it comes to construction safety, LIUNA is the answer.”

LIUNA would like to partner with Maryland communities to train and employ local residents on the estimated 27,000 new construction jobs created throughout Maryland from the school construction.

Governor Hogan received LIUNA’s endorsement in the Maryland General Election because of his plans for new transportation infrastructure, an industry where many LIUNA members work.

“Whether it’s roads, bridges, or schools, Governor Hogan’s construction proposals have the potential to create jobs for local Maryland residents,” said Dennis Martire, Vice President and Regional Manager of LIUNA Mid-Atlantic. “Our involvement wound ensure these are good jobs where local workers are earning family-supporting pay and benefits.”

LIUNA’s current membership in Maryland totals over 4,000 men and women.

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The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Mid-Atlantic Region represents more than 40,000 working men and women predominantly in the construction industry in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, Virginia and North Carolina