Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re having a good summer. Here’s an update from the Capitol.
Mesabi Metallics
People in our region have been frustrated for many years due to the back-to-back debacles of Essar Steel and Mesabi Metallics with failed promises, missed deadlines, and a site with natural resources yet to create jobs. It’s time for a proven company to take over the site, but despite their mineral leases being revoked, Mesabi Metallics continues to hold up progress in litigation. Residents of Nashwauk have faced particular difficulty as Mesabi Metallics had been behind on property taxes in excess of $1 million. For context, the city’s annual budget is $1,739,755.
As I told the Mesabi Tribune – which recently highlighted the city’s ongoing struggle to collect on the property taxes owed – it’s Groundhog Day all over again. This is the same behavior we’ve seen over and over again from this company and its predecessors, and it’s time to move forward from this latest charade. A reputable company like Cleveland Cliffs would be well equipped to get the project operational and not only create new jobs, but protect current jobs at HibTac which is rapidly running out of ore.
I will continue to advocate for meaningful progress at the Nashwauk site so we can finally experience the jobs and economic opportunities our region deserves.
Frontline Worker Pay
Here’s another reminder about the bonus pay for frontline workers lawmakers appropriated this past legislative session. Workers in fields including health care, child care, first response, food service, retail and more are all eligible. These extra payments recognize the sacrifices these workers made during the toughest part of the pandemic when they put their own health at greater risk to keep our state moving forward. The deadline to apply for this pay is today, July 22 at 5 p.m. Learn more and submit your application here.
Veteran Service Bonuses
I also want to remind anyone who courageously served our country as part of the Global War on Terrorism about Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonuses, now available. I was proud to be chief author of the legislation creating this program, which offers bonuses up to $2,000 for Minnesotans who served in the Armed Forces from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21 and Gold Star Families, whose loved ones sacrificed all.
More information and an application portal are available here. Please share this with any friends or family who could take advantage of this program.
Hometown Heroes
During the 2021 legislative session, I was proud to support legislation to create the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP). Firefighters across the state – who spring into action at a moment’s notice to protect people and property – face alarmingly high incidences of cancer, cardiac issues, and emotional trauma. The HHAP initiative dedicates $4 million per year to ensure firefighters have access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis.
The program is already making a tremendous impact on firefighters' lives across the state – with free health and wellness resources to protect our hometown heroes and their families. Learn more here about the successes.
Last Update
Once 60 days have elapsed after the Legislature adjourns in an election year, state law prevents lawmakers from proactively sending information from the Capitol through the postal mail or email. This means my e-mail newsletters will be paused through summer and fall. Regardless, you’re still invited to reach out to me with your feedback and ideas, or if there is ever anything I can help with. You can contact me by phone at 651-296-0172 or email at rep.julie.sandstede@house.mn. You can also follow me on Facebook. It’s an honor to represent you.
Together,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative