March 3, 2016
Saint Paul, Minn. – Today, after the most recent hearing on long term unemployment benefits for Iron Range workers, Rep. Erik Simonson released the following statement:
“After today’s hearing, it is more obvious than ever that some Republicans in the legislature want to continue playing political games with the lives of thousands of unemployed residents of the Iron Range. I am calling on Speaker Daudt to hold to his promise to bring a “clean bill” before the House for a vote in the first week of session. Again and again, House GOP members attempt to put the interest of big businesses before the interests of the working families of this state. Governor Dayton has called for an unemployment extension free of tax break amendments, Speak Daudt has promised that, and now we need to hold him to that promise.”
The families of over 1,000 workers have been kept waiting all winter because GOP leaders couldn’t reach agreement with the Governor and Senator Bakk to pass benefit extensions in a special session. There has been adequate urgency to pass these unemployment benefit extensions for months, but the GOP said they could wait until regular session starts on March 8th. Let there be no doubt, that if this issue is not taken up immediately in the first week, it will be a betrayal of Minnesota families and Minnesota values.”
“The economy of Northeastern Minnesota is one economy, interwoven and inter-dependent on the success of every community, whether you live in Duluth, on the North Shore, or on the Iron Range. We must continue to work together to ensure that economic security is possible for every family in our region, and I’m committed to that work.”
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