Letter to Hilda Solis, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor

Minnesota Congressman John Kline sent a letter today to U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, asking her to ensure all resources of the Department of Labor are made available to assist workers affected by the impending closure of the Lockheed Martin facility in Eagan. Congressman Kline is the ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee and is in line to become Committee Chairman for the 112th Congress.

"I am deeply concerned by the implications of closing the Eagan facility which threatens the economic well-being of these individuals and their families," said Kline. "I will work with the Department of Labor, additional federal agencies, and state and local governments to assist affected workers and ensure a seamless response by government authorities."

Text from the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Solis:

On November 18, 2010, Lockheed Martin announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Eagan, Minnesota. This facility produces essential military equipment and employs more than 1,000 highly-skilled workers. For more than 40 years, Lockheed Martin has been a solid corporate citizen, but they are not immune to the many challenges shared by businesses across the country during these tough economic times. Their announcement suggests 1,000 jobs in Eagan will either be eliminated or moved to other parts of the country by 2013, with layoffs beginning as early as next year.

I am deeply concerned by the implications of closing the Eagan facility. Job loss of this magnitude not only threatens the economic well-being of the workers currently employed at the facility, it also threatens the economic well-being of the broader Eagan community and the state of Minnesota.

Given the gravity of this situation, I respectfully request you give this matter your immediate attention and ensure all appropriate resources of the U.S. Department of Labor are immediately made available to assist the affected workers. It is imperative all government agencies work together to facilitate a seamless and effective response. Therefore, I ask you to coordinate the Department's efforts with the appropriate state and local government officials to ensure affected workers receive the assistance they need in a timely manner.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I welcome your assistance in addressing the economic concerns this situation presents for the residents of my district and state. I look forward to hearing from you what steps the Department has taken to assist the workers of Eagan, Minnesota and their families.

Sincerely,

John Kline

In his fourth term in Congress, John Kline is the top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee. He is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

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