![Prospect of Quick Benefits for Iron Rangers Hits Snag](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2015/11/RS11323_484067559-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Prospect of Quick Benefits for Iron Rangers Hits Snag
ST. PAUL - The prospect of quickly extending unemployment benefits for laid-off steelworkers on the Iron Range continues to be mired in politics.
In advance of next week's start to the legislative session, a House committee passed a bill Thursday that would extend unemployment benefits for Iron Range workers for 26 weeks. But the bill also includes language that would cut taxes for businesses that furnish the state's unemployment trust fund, which has a $1.6 billion surplus.
DFL legislators want a bill that would only extend benefits, saying the conversation on tax cuts can wait. Republicans say the cuts are needed relief for employers that have paid into the fund, and are something Democrats have supported in the recent past.
Lawmakers still hope to extend benefits when the full Legislature convenes next week.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![OPINION: This is How Political Debates Should Really Be Done](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2024/01/attachment-GettyImages-98521850.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Jason Voorhees is Chained to the Bottom of This Minnesota Lake](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2021/10/attachment-Untitled-design-2021-10-20T055704.903.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![South Dakota To End $300 Federal Unemployment Benefit](http://townsquare.media/site/486/files/2020/05/RS22654_GettyImages-846875838-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Congressional Delegation Responds To US Capitol Chaos [VIDEO, PHOTOS]](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2021/01/94.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Which Minnesota Republicans Had Close Contact With Trump During His Visit?](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2020/10/Trump-Tarmac.png?w=980&q=75)
![Fire Destroys 2 Squad Cars in Iron Range City of Virginia](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/05/Fire1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Role in Iron Range Murder](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/gavel1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Unemployment Worker Sentenced for Illegally Taking Benefits](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/Kati-Werner-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Unemployment Worker Charged With Illegally Taking Benefits](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/Kati-Werner-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)