Minnesota Lawmakers Push Mental Health Funding for Construction Workers

A new bill working its way through the Minnesota Legislature aims to address rising mental health concerns in one of the state’s most high-stress industries: construction.
Senator Judy Seeberger (DFL – Afton) has introduced a proposal that would allocate $1 million over the next two years to provide mental health resources and awareness campaigns targeting construction workers.
The bill follows data from the Centers for Disease Control, which shows construction workers face a higher rate of mental health struggles and suicide compared to the general population.
“If we’re identifying it in an industry, then we darn well better step up and do whatever we can to save folks who are asking for help,” Seeberger said.
Brian Lauwers, a safety and compliance trainer with OECS (OSHA Environmental Compliance Systems), says stress and silence in the field are real challenges.
“It’s male-dominated—nobody talks about their feelings,” he said. “When you don’t talk about it, the pressure builds.”
Adam Olson, president of the Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley, agrees that stress is common across the board, especially with tight deadlines and safety risks layered into every project.
In Greater Minnesota, including Becker and Otter Tail Counties, local contractors and building trades may soon benefit from new statewide programs designed to promote awareness and offer support in high-risk settings.
Experts like Laura Bohan, an integrated health therapist with Sanford Health, recommend mindfulness and open communication as everyday tools to stay grounded on the job.
The 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session ends May 19. If passed, the bill would fund peer support initiatives, training, and mental health outreach specifically geared toward construction workers across the state.
If you or someone you know needs support, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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