Extended unemployment benefits on way to Iron Range workers

After months of being caught in a game of political pingpong, financial relief to laid off workers is on its way to the state’s Iron Range.

The House passed two bills Thursday that will put to rest the disagreement over linking help to the workers with a change to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund calculation. Gov. Mark Dayton was expected to sign them shortly therefter.

Sponsored by Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington) and Sen. David Tomassoni (DFL-Chisholm), the first to be taken up by the House was HF3178/SF2891*, which will lower the taxes paid by employers to the trust fund, yet ensure the fund’s solvency in future years. The bill passed 129-1, after the Senate gave its approval earlier in the day on a 60-0 vote.

A 26-week extension to unemployment compensation to applicants laid off from an iron ore mining employer or a related industry employer was passed 113-17.

“This bill essentially gets the relief out to 6,690 workers and their families on the Iron Range. Getting it out before the Easter break, we appreciate it,” said Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL-Virginia). He sponsors HF1405/SF1006* with Tomassoni. The Senate passed the bill 62-3 March 10.

None of the provisions in the two bills were controversial – it was the linking of them together in an earlier bill that raised the ire of DFLers since the start of the legislative session 16 days ago. Republicans insisted on linking the unemployment benefits to a provision that would address the estimated $16 billion employment trust fund surplus.

Shortly before the House met in its final session before the Easter break, Dayton confirmed in a statement that House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) said the House would pass both bills today.

Dayton, who delayed an afternoon trip to California, indicated he would sign both measures into law as soon as he receives them.