Minn. House rejects bid to fast-track unemployment extension for laid-off Iron Range miners

The Minnesota House on the floor rejected a motion to suspend the rules and declare an urgency so that House File 3023 could receive its third reading and be placed upon final passage.

Representative Igoe moved the suspension and urged colleagues to act quickly so roughly 640 laid-off workers in northern Minnesota would have an unemployment insurance lifeline as mining operations pause. "We are just a few short days away from the end of the legislative session here...it's imperative that we get this bill done and passed off this chamber," Representative Igoe said.

The bill drew extended floor debate. Supporters — including Representative Zalesnikar, Representative Nash and Representative Warwas…