Minnesota House passes unemployment benefit extension for mining workers

(St. Paul, MN) -- The Minnesota House is advancing legislation that would extend unemployment benefits for laid off mining workers.

The measure passed Monday and would offer an additional 26 weeks of benefits for over 400 workers laid off from Northshore Mining's facilities in Silver Bay and Babbit.

The extension would also apply to workers from associated businesses offering goods and services to Northshore, especially the explosive manufacturing industry.

The Senate approved the bill earlier this month, which is now headed to Governor Tim Walz's desk for signature.