Joe Kimball
As Gov. Mark Dayton and legislators consider a special session, in part to address the issue of laid-off steelworkers on the Iron Range, Sen. Amy Klobuchar will bring one of those affected by the industry's woes to the State of the Union speech in Washington, D.C.
Dan Hill, laid off at United Taconite in Eveleth, will be Klobuchar's guest at President Obama's speech Jan. 12 to a joint session of Congress.
Klobuchar said:
"Illegal trade practices have thwarted our domestic industry and left many workers on the Range without a job to support their families. Dan has worked hard to make sure the White House understands the dire situation steelworkers like him are facing and I hope his invitation further strengthens this call to action."
Hill has been part of a meeting about the steel industry problems last month on the Range with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough.
Hill said in a statement:
“We must continue to push for action to stop illegal steel dumping so American steelworkers and miners are competing on a level playing field and good Iron Range jobs are available to our children and grandchildren for generations to come.”