Dear Neighbors,

Today, DNR Conservation Officer Sarah Grell, who tragically died in a collision near Grand Rapids on Monday, will be laid to rest. Officer Grell was incredibly passionate about the outdoors, and was dedicated in her service to the DNR and the people of the state of Minnesota since 2005. I’m wishing her family, friends, and community peace and comfort in their loss. 

Here’s an update from the Capitol.

Mesabi Metallics Update

Earlier this week, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officially terminated the mineral leases of Mesabi Metallics (the operation on the former Essar Steel site in Nashwauk) clearing the way for a reputable, committed operator to take over the site. This action follows the DNR’s earlier announcement that Mesabi Metallics failed to meet several terms of their agreement with the agency by their May 1 deadline, including only coming up with half of the $200 million in required financing to move forward with their proposal. After a 13-year pattern of failed promises, it’s unfortunate, but unsurprising Mesabi Metallics didn’t uphold their end of the bargain.

I’m pleased the DNR has finally seen through the illusionary tactics of Mesabi Metallics and am grateful for the strong position the agency has taken to address the situation. I particularly want to thank Assistant Commissioner Jess Richards. In all my time at the Legislature, I don’t believe I’ve seen the DNR make such a decisive statement and in their findings, they’ve articulated what we’ve long suspected about Mesabi Metallics. Now, it must increase its efforts to debar Mesabi Metallics/Essar/other subsidiaries from doing business with the state. Also, I hope the entire administration keeps the unique needs of the Iron Range and our region in mind regarding the Nashwauk site.

Budget Agreement Reached

Last week, Governor Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka announced a bipartisan agreement on an outline for a new two-year state budget. The framework prioritizes the Minnesotans who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19, namely students, workers, families, and small businesses. Within the budget, I’m particularly excited about the investments our students will be receiving, both in critical summer learning programming and ongoing education investments. I’m also proud the agreement includes funding for full tax conformity for businesses that received Paycheck Protection Program loans and unemployment insurance benefits for displaced workers.

There is still work remaining to determine the specifics within the budget, but I’m optimistic lawmakers will enact a new state budget strengthening the future for our state.

Summer Learning Investments

Minnesota students have faced tremendous challenges since the pandemic arrived, experiencing unparalleled learning interruptions. Governor Walz has announced a plan to invest $75 million in summer educational programming to help Minnesota students catch up from lost learning opportunities and strengthen their emotional wellbeing. Within the funding package, $34.6 million is dedicated to providing academic and mental health support during the summer and beyond. The balance of the funding will be used for priorities such as preschool for four- and five-year-olds, expanded access to tutoring, Adult Basic Education programs, and support for academic enrichment and college readiness initiatives. These investments will help students, families, educators, and communities bounce back and prepare for a bright future. 

This funding is made possible by funding Minnesota will receive through the American Rescue Plan, a COVID-19 recovery package President Biden signed into law earlier this year.

Highway 169 Improvements

The Highway 169 improvement project has started between Marble and Pengilly with MnDOT working on intersection improvements. Work will begin with left turn lane construction in Marble at Alice Avenue and Ethyl Street (County Road 80) and work east of Calumet between County Road 83 and County Road 561. Motorists can expect shoulder closures and lane Shifts in Marble including work zone speed limits as well as shoulder closures east of Calumet. More information on the project is available here.

Too many people have lost loved ones due to crashes on this stretch of road. I’ve been working on this project for many years, and I want to thank Rep. Frank Hornstein, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, and Duane Hill, MnDOT’s District 1 traffic engineer for their assistance in ensuring these improvements and completion of the Cross Range Expressway are priorities for MnDOT.

Memorial Day

I hope you all have a safe, enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. This coming Monday, we pause in gratitude for the soldiers who sacrificed all in pursuit of the freedoms we all enjoy. As you spend time in the backyard or on the lake with family and friends this weekend, please take some time to recognize the men and women (both past and present) for their selfless giving so we can enjoy weekends like this. Monday at 8 p.m., a virtual Memorial Day event will air on public TV’s Minnesota Channel entitled “Reflections: Memorial Day 2021.”

Please continue to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you.

Together,

Julie Sandstede
State Representative