Today the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the bill that will provide $4.9 million for a mesothelioma research study, by a vote of 121-1. The bill unanimously passed the Senate on Monday. It now goes to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who is expected to sign it.

The study, which will be conducted under the direction of the University of Minnesota, will analyze death records and conduct screenings of current and former Iron Range mine workers and their families. To date, 58 Iron Range workers have died of mesothelioma. The study also will include environmental research, and is expected to last 5 years.

Funding for the program will come from a special insurance fund overseen by the Department of Commerce.

Tags: death, EPA, iron range, Iron Range mine worker, Iron Range mine workers, meso, mesothelioma, Minnesota, Minnesota House of Representatives, research, Tim Pawlenty, University of Minnesota

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