3/4/2003

UMWA Readies For Rally Staff State Capitol

The United Mine Workers Union has a noon-time rally scheduled for today at the state capitol on the coal truck bill.

The State Senate passed the bill last Friday, it increases weight limits on coal trucks to 120,000 pounds on designated roads in certain counties.

UMWA International President Cecil Roberts plans to attend today's rally. Roberts says time is running out for the majority to be heard on the issue. Roberts is calling for all state residents who oppose raising weight limits to show up at the capitol for the rally. He says it's not to late to make a difference this legislative session.

Roberts says the union will be lobbying hard for lawmakers to pass Delegate Mike Caputo's bill. It basically takes the current bill's enforcement measures, but without the weight increase.

The Senate-passed coal truck bill has been forwarded to the House Judiciary Committee. The committee is expected to take up the bill today or tomorrow.