Layoffs at Cleveland-Cliffs’ iron ore mines located in Minnesota’s Iron Range are causing state legislators to contemplate extended unemployment benefits to sustain the temporary mine closures. In response to these layoffs, proposals have been put forward in the Minnesota Legislature to extend jobless insurance benefits for the affected workers. The proposals plan to extend the typical limit on unemployment benefits for another 26 weeks. Estimated costs of the unemployment extension range between $10 million and $12 million.

Concerns have been raised about younger workers with families affected by these layoffs. Al King from the United Steelworkers Local 6115 stressed the importance of these extensions to sustain and provide hope for these workers. One of these proposals that offer a broader benefits window seeks to implement changes to environmental regulations that mine owners say are essential for their long-term survival.

However, the proposals faced some resistance. Democrats in the House committee objected to the linking of unemployment benefits with changes in environmental regulations for the mining facilities. The proposal focusing solely on jobless benefits is still pending and up for a hearing soon.

This isn’t the first time Iron Range mining layoffs have stirred discussions over unemployment benefits. In 2015, former Gov. Mark Dayton unsuccessfully pushed for an unemployment extension during a similar mining industry downturn.

If you’re in a similar situation and need assistance with your unemployment benefits, reaching out directly to the California Employment Development Department (EDD) could be helpful. The EDD website, eddcaller.com, provides a multitude of resources, including tips on how to get a hold of edd customer service.