ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation today that provides a $10 million extension of unemployment benefits for roughly 400 miners laid off from Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Mining operations last May. Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, issued the following statement reacting to the bill’s passage:
“This bill is about doing the right thing for Minnesotans and offering a helping hand to neighbors that have been laid off through no fault of their own,” said Igo. “Today’s strong showing of bipartisan support is a clear sign to miners on the Iron Range that we have their back. Moving forward, I will continue to work hard on supporting miners and promoting our safe, responsible mining in the Northland so that we can continue to deliver the materials needed to build our communities, state, and nation!”
The bill was approved by a vote of 127-7 and will now head to Gov. Walz for his signature.
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