APNewsBreak: Dayton Seeking Special Session For Steelworkers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton wants a special session to extend unemployment insurance for laid-off steelworkers.

The Democratic governor sent a letter to leaders in the Senate and House Wednesday explaining that unemployment benefits are running low for some of those workers. Dayton's office confirmed the letter to The Associated Press Thursday.

Lawmakers provided extra funds for unemployment insurance for steelworkers after a tide of closures swept across the Iron Range. Dayton says some who haven't found new work could run out of funds by February.

The Legislature isn't set to return until March but it's not Dayton's first call for a special session. His proposal to provide aid at Mille Lacs Lake petered out this summer. Lawmakers returned for a special session in June to finish the state budget.

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