Legislative Update 03.28.25

Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,

We are continuing to grapple with the news of layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs that we received last week. Just before leaving St. Paul for the Range on Thursday afternoon, members of the Range Delegation on the House side were able to drop a bill for Unemployment Insurance for our laid off miners, which we will be pushing hard to get through the House before the end of the Legislative Session. This important legislation will ensure our skilled workforce can stay on the Range until our facilities can fire up and get our men and women back to work. We will continue to fight for all mining on the Iron Range!

Meeting with Congressman Stauber

Senator Farnsworth, Congressman Stauber, and I met with the Minorca Miners Board in Eveleth last Saturday to discuss the layoffs that were announced last week. Our meeting was an opportunity to demonstrate our collective support for the region and those directly impacted by these job losses. We had important conversations about the challenges facing the workers and their families, as well as potential ways to provide assistance during this difficult time. Moving forward, we will continue working together to explore solutions that can help support our workers and strengthen our communities.

Meeting with Steelworkers

This week I had the opportunity to meet with the United Steelworkers, including many local union members and leaders. Our conversation centered on the recent layoffs at the Hibtac and Minorca mines, a heartbreaking situation that will affect countless families throughout our region. We are united in support of the impacted workers, ensuring their voices are heard as we work through these challenging circumstances. This issue transcends politics—it's about standing up for our communities, safeguarding well-paying jobs, and advocating for the long-term viability of Minnesota’s mining industry. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we collaborate to find solutions that bring stability and economic security to those who need it most.

On Monday night, I was able to meet several of my union brothers at a local pub in St. Paul since they were in the neighborhood for training this week. We had some great conversations, and honestly it was just good to be with some Rangers for a couple hours - a great group of people!

Meetings this Week

It was great to see Josh Overfors again, who is working with Capitol Ministries here in St. Paul. Josh is from our district, and was formerly a Systems Repairman (SR) at Minntac and we worked together in the early 2000’s in the Fines Crusher building. Pastor Overfors is a great friend and has many Range connections, though now lives in Beltrami County. It’s always a privilege to connect with the Capitol Ministries team, as they offer encouragement and support during the long and challenging weeks at the Capitol. Their presence is truly appreciated, and I’m grateful for the work they do.

I also had the pleasure of welcoming constituents Merry & Bob Carlson (my mother and step-dad) to St. Paul. Having family visit during the week is truly a blessing, and I am grateful that they took the time to come and experience a glimpse of life at the Capitol.

Huge thanks to both Stephanie Skraba (left) and Annie Bachschneider (right) for coming down to testify in support of bills for our community. Stephanie came on behalf of Chisholm and Annie on behalf of Virginia. Community voices are a very important part of the legislative process as we fight to get funding for our regional needs. Thank you both!

I met Kelly Bright and Donna Ortendahl of the Salvation Army this week. We discussed their work in our local soup kitchens and food pantry services. The services that they provide offer meaningful help to those in our communities that need it most, and it was important to have a chance to meet with them. I look forward to touring their Viriginia facility soon.

I got to briefly meet with Paul Peltier, who serves as the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS) Executive Director. RAMS works hard to advocate for the Range, and I was proud to serve on their board before coming to St. Paul as a State Representative. We have a long-standing partnership between RAMS, the IRRR and the legislature, and I appreciate a chance to work on Range needs with them.

I had a good meeting with Terry McCabe (Director Home & Community Based Services) and Dusty Letica (Director of Economic Services and Supports), who both work for St. Louis County in the Public Health sector. We talked about the alarming cuts that Governor Walz has proposed and the effect the reductions would have on our elderly and disabled populations. We have a lot of work to do regarding the budget, but we must take care to protect our vulnerable citizens from those proposed cuts.

I did an interview with Mary Lahammer, who is a reporter for the Capitol Bureau with Twin Cities PBS. She has been interviewing new members this session, and we were able to find the time to sit down this week. It was great to do an interview that was conversational in nature and not political. It sounds like the interview will run on Easter weekend, so stay tuned!

I want to give a shoutout to Morgan, who serves as my Legislative Assistant (LA). She helps keep the office running smoothly, and she helped me out in a pinch when I needed a bill from the Revisor's office to be delivered to the House floor this week. Thank you for all you do, Morgan!

Bill Updates

I presented HF571 to the Capital Investment Committee this week. This bill would provide funding for the Wenton Addition housing development in Chisholm. This project is a critical step toward addressing the housing shortage in our region, providing much-needed affordable and quality housing options for families in the area. With the growing demand for housing, particularly for working families and seniors, the Wenton Addition will offer an important opportunity for local residents to find homes close to their jobs, schools, and other community services. By supporting this initiative, we can help stimulate the local economy, create jobs, and ensure that our communities remain vibrant and sustainable for years to come.

A second presentation was for HF1287 to the Capital Investment Committee. This bill is aimed at making essential improvements to Virginia City Hall, including upgrading the HVAC system, replacing outdated windows, and addressing other necessary infrastructure needs. These upgrades would enhance energy efficiency, improve air quality, and ensure the building remains a safe and functional space for both city employees and residents. By investing in these improvements, the community can maintain a well-operating city hall that supports essential services and provides a welcoming environment for those who rely on local government resources.

Please Contact Me

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. The best method is to use my email – I am rarely near the office phone, but that number is 651.296.0170 and you can try me there too.

Have a great weekend!