President Obama’s Chief Of Staff Visits Iron Range

Tuesday, President Barack Obama sent Chief Of Staff Denis McDonough to Northern Minnesota to meet with local miners and state legislators after nearly 2,000 layoffs in the steel industry in the past year. 

“The President directed me to come here to underscore the importance that he attaches to not only the Range, but steel-producing communities across the Great Lakes,” McDonough said. 

Minnesota lawmakers, citizens and miners voiced concerns on the steel crisis.

“Sad to see some many people losing their jobs,” community member Carl Sarich said.  “Satellite industry is losing their jobs and everyone is losing their jobs..” 

The mining industry makes up 30 percent of the economy on the Iron Range.

Steel dumping, which occurs when foreign countries flood the steel markets and local communities, is to blame, according to lawmakers. 

This practice results in driving down the price of American steel and creating mass company layoffs. 

Stephanie Thorsen is a single mother who lost her job in the mining industry because of steel dumping.

“I was laid off from the mine actually, in Chislom. It’s been adjustment for sure.” Thorsen said. 

“I was really excited to get that job because it was just me and my son and it was a job I could support us with.” 

As Stephanie goes into a tough holiday season without a job, she hopes Washington will remember people just want to provide for our love ones. 

Minnesota legislators are pushing for the administration to call for more inspectors at ports and stop illegal steel from coming into the country, as well as several other laws that are pending involving trade.