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Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,
As I’m sure you will know by now, we heard the most difficult news on Thursday regarding the Cleveland-Cliffs layoff plans on the Iron Range at Minorca and Hibbing Taconite. Mining is the backbone of our economy, and 600 jobs lost is just the beginning of the difficulties we will face.
I believe that the Range is one big family, a historic mining family, and I am devastated to be facing this news. Right now, I extend my condolences to the employees and their families that are affected, and I will continue to work with Cliffs, our union Locals, and the legislature to help in any way possible. I released this statement yesterday, which summarizes my thoughts on the situation, but I want to reiterate support for those that have been affected.
***Please note that as of the time of the press release, I had not yet heard that Minorca would also be winterizing the facility, which is very concerning as well.
“Our View”
An article was published recently in the Duluth News Tribune on the topic of permitting. This has been an ongoing conversation here on the Iron Range, about the need for permitting reform to better serve our region. In order to preserve and expand the mining industry here in Minnesota, we need to make changes to our permitting process. We have seen too many stalled or abandoned projects, and businesses can’t afford to wait around for permits to come through. I encourage you to read the full article for more information and a better overview of the problem and our legislative efforts. I am glad to see the DNT editorial board agreeing with our long-held position on permitting reform.
Meetings this Week
I had a chance to sit down and meet with Robin Harkonen and her husband Tony when they visited during Disability Services Day on the Hill. Robin is the Executive Director of the East Range Developmental Achievement Center (ERDAC) in Eveleth. This organization does very meaningful work for people with disabilities in our area, providing them with opportunities to create art, work on projects, or do contracted work with other businesses. Each individual that is part of their programming has a personalized plan and their opportunities are based on their interests, motivation, and abilities. The ERDAC gives them the opportunity to find personal fulfillment in their work, as well as socialize with others in the community. I am proud to support the work of ERDAC and other DAC’s and will stand against funding cuts that are being proposed in the Governor’s budget.
 We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the High School Page Program here at the House. This program gives students in their junior year of high school the opportunity to spend a week at the Capitol, learning about and participating in the legislative process. Students are selected to participate in the program through an application which requires a faculty recommendation and an essay from the student. This week, I met Tegan Fordahl, a constituent from the Cotton area, who was participating in the Page Program. Her and the other pages attended one of our tax committee meetings, where they were asked to share who their representative is at home, and she knew it off the cuff! It is great to see Tegan and other students who are interested in learning about our work here at the legislature.
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