Minnesotans for a Fair Economy and the Minnesota AFL-CIO, which organized the vigil, said analysis by independent economists shows the legislation will create nearly 2 million jobs.

The Rev. Doug Mork, an ordained minister and labor activist, and the Rev. Grant Stevensen, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, led the vigil which was attended by students, rank and file labor activists, church members, community members, and activists from the OccupyMN encampment.

"Passing the American Jobs Act would be a step in the right direction and we are here to support that," Rev. Stevenson said. "It would go a distance to making needed repairs on our infrastructure, like the bridge you see above you badly in need of repair. Further, it would be a start on repairing the human and moral infrastructure of our state and country by valuing the lives and talents of those seeking work."

The American Jobs Act includes $50 billion to create jobs by fixing crumbling roads and bridges. While 30 million Americans are looking for work, corporate profits are at a record high and Wall Street banks have made over $100 billion in profits since taxpayers bailed them out. Vigil participants said job creation can be funded by ending tax breaks and loopholes for CEOs and hedge fund managers, and making big, profitable corporations pay their fair share of taxes.

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Produced by The Uptake