Legislative Update from Rep. Warwas

Dear friends and neighbors on the Iron Range,  

I drove home to the Range on Thursday evening, just beating the main accumulation of snow we have in Clinton Township. Few things are more natural for us that live in northeastern Minnesota than starting the day by pulling a stuck car out of the driveway, then clearing snow so it doesn’t happen again. Morning coffee took second place today, and that wasn’t good! 

Trappers Association 

Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting two different groups during Trapper’s Day at the Capitol. I got to see Randy Goldenman and Bruce Lotti, and to also get introduced to MTA President, Brian Fisher. I also ran into a group at the cafeteria, including a few constituents, with the Minnesota Forest Zone Trappers Association. Great to see you all, and thanks for all you do! 

The annual Iron Ore Alliance dinner was a great gathering earlier this week. U.S. Steel management and the United Steelworkers work collaboratively in the alliance to sustain taconite mining operations, and we got to hear progress and challenge highlights in their presentations.  

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the “Hard Rock Miner Award” to Lee Bloomquist. It would be difficult to find someone more deserving of that recognition. Lee has deep roots in the Iron Range, a genuine love for mining, and a strong commitment to the people and communities of our region. It was great to see him honored for the impact he has had in his many roles over the years. 

The evening also included recognition of Kathy Bloomquist, whose support of Lee has been hugely instrumental along the way, and who made her own lasting contributions to the community through many years as a beloved teacher in our county schools before retiring. 

I was pleased to briefly reflect on how I first got to know Lee Bloomquist. The Mesabi Tribune has guest columns in the MINE Edition, and I interviewed Lee a few years ago about his personal mining history for the story. That story is one of my favorites, as it details mining, hardship, resilience and success – a true Iron Ranger’s journey. That publication was another well-deserved tribute to Lee and his family, and something he never would have asked for himself. You can learn more about Lee and his many contributions to the Range here.

AFSCME visit 

AFSCME Council 5 members visited, and I'm grateful for the chance to connect with members from my district, with a couple from the neighborhood I grew up in as well! 

Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns with me - see you next year! 

MN Chippewa Tribes Legislative Reception 

I had a great time seeing friends and meeting new people at the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes Legislative Reception this week. Sad to say I couldn't stay for the meal as it looked amazing! 

Thankful to Charlie Smith of Indigenous Business Advisors for spending time with me at the event, and helping with introductions too! 

Teamsters Reception 

So good to see Connie West, Angela Tveit, Eric Skoog and other Teamster members this week at the "Friends of the Teamsters" reception in St. Paul. One of my Range Teamster friends will be testifying soon on a bill I’m carrying in the House about biometric data storage and privacy. Full credit to Jake for bringing this to our attention as it is important issue facing many industries in Minnesota. 

Lots of Iron Range support in that room! 

MNUSA Legislative Reception 

I had a nice chat with Tami and Ken from District #2 at the MNUSA legislative reception, held at the Radisson Capitol Ridge event room. 

Volunteers work hard to keep up trail systems everyone can enjoy. Talk to your local clubs if you want to help out - I know our Range clubs work hard on trail maintenance!