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ST. PAUL - The Legislature has sent a bill to Minnesota's governor providing money for an exhaustive study of a rare lung cancer that's hit especially hard on the Iron Range.
The House voted 121 to one to support a $4.9 million allocation to the research, following a unanimous vote on Monday in the state Senate.
The money will come from a special insurance fund overseen by the Department of Commerce.
Researchers hope to explain why dozens of miners have been stricken with mesothelioma (mez-oh-theel-eh-OH'-muh).
The University of Minnesota 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.
Governor Tim Pawlenty has signalled his support for the compromise plan.
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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