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Jobless benefits for miners extended
On Thursday the Minnesota House of Representatives passed an unemployment benefits extension for workers affected by the downturn in the Iron Range mining industry. They also passed separately what House GOP leaders wanted attached in one bill: a rebate to businesses who pay into the unemployment fund, which now has a surplus because of the…
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Cliffs eyes acquiring Essar plant
As snow fades from the ditches of Northern Minnesota, the Essar Steel construction site north of Nashwauk remains frozen in time. Minor movement in and out of the site is but partial salve for the idled hope of hundreds of jobs from the region’s largest new mining project in a generation. Essar has stated that it hopes…
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Governor explains controversial mining decision
Two weeks ago Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton announced he would not support mineral exploration near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The controversial decision prompted strong reactions by those for and against new forms of copper nickel mining in Northeastern Minnesota. As expected, Iron Range lawmakers, local officials and mining advocates criticized the governor in…
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Let us see what we believe
When immigrants came to America, their first image of the new land was the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. This wasn’t just some green lady. She represented freedom and opportunity. She was all of America, welcoming those in need. The Statue of Liberty told a story that was happening in real time. She…
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Confusion over deal for unemployed miners
On Friday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill funding extended unemployment benefits for laid off Iron Range miners attached to controversial unemployment tax cuts for businesses. Though House DFLers opposed the pairing of those two issues, ultimately most Range DFLers argued for its passage so that unemployed miners without benefits could receive aid. Rep.…
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Report details serious problems at IRRRB
Today, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor released its report exploring the organization, authority, effectiveness and transparency of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). The OLA found that the IRRRB “has not adequately overseen the loans and grants it awards for economic development.” The report also dings the agency for its operation…
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State economic picture steady, except up North
Minnesota is a geographically and economically diverse state. It’s often remarkable when I travel from my home here in the North to the Twin Cities how different the very fabric of society and the economy feels. The two worlds seem like they don’t require one another to survive. That’s not really true, of course. The state…
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Legislative Auditor: Does the IRRRB work?
On Friday, the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor will release a major report on the effectiveness of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB). Though not a subject of much conversation on the street, this report has been long awaited by members of the region’s political class. Some dread what it might say,…
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No spring for you
The Northern Minnesota tradition of briefly allowing hope to enter your heart despite knowledge that disappointment lies ahead carries on. Today, a significant winter storm is settling over our corner of the world. Lots of heavy wet snow, putting added pressure on tree branches, power lines and our fragile psyches. There are many school cancellations.…
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Deal to extend benefits for miners is done
A longstanding worry of many unemployed miners on the Iron Range and their families is being resolved today. Today, the House Ways and Means committee passed a bill that would offer up to 26 weeks of additional unemployment benefits for Iron Range miners affected by a downturn in the steel industry. It would also include…
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Every man a king; one man an emperor
Spring air refreshes our winter-weary lungs, yet most of that delicious smell comes from rot. Such is the nature of change. Here in 2016 the political winds gust and swirl with unusual gusto, an El Niño year at the ballot box. Three out of the five candidates with any hope of a major party nomination…
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Iron Range miners get cartoon treatment
The debate over how to extend jobless benefits for Iron Range miners has reached its pinnacle form: the editorial cartoon. There aren’t many editorial cartoons being produced these days. Newspapers don’t pay people to do them anymore. But Steve Sack at the Minneapolis Star Tribune is still drawing. Sack’s latest cartoon depicts the debate over a jobless…
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70-pound carp lashes back at Dayton over speech
When Gov. Mark Dayton delivered his State of the State address on Wednesday, many would rightly have focused on the policies or political nuance. I am unable to let go of one section of Dayton’s speech: Minnesota has a proud history of tackling environmental problems and finding effective solutions. When I was a boy in the…
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Kelsey Johnson named president of mining group
On Thursday, the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota Board of Directors named Kelsey Johnson its next president. Johnson is an experienced lobbyist and recent Iron Range legislative candidate who grew up in Gnesen Township. The Iron Mining Association is the primary lobby for Minnesota’s iron mining industry. Member companies, including major Iron Range taconite producers, pay…
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Dayton leads speech with Range jobless benefits
Gov. Mark Dayton delivered his annual State of the State address before the Minnesota legislature last night. Like many such addresses, he highlighted his top priorities for the next few months, including investments in transportation and broadband infrastructure and investments in communities suffering from economic hardship. Leading Dayton’s speech, however, was a call on state…