Senators approve extension of unemployment benefits for laid off steelworkers

Good news for laid off steelworkers in our region. State senators agreed to an extension of unemployment benefits.

Cliffs announced last month they were idling Minorca and partially idling Hibtac. That puts about 630 people on layoff.

This is due to a lack of demand for automotive steel.

Unemployment benefits typically run out after 26 weeks. The amendment that passed the senate on Tuesday would extend it another 26 weeks.

Senators Grant Hauschild and Rob Farnsworth worked on the amendment together.

The bill is still working its way through the house.