A bill to eliminate the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board and have the legislature decide on economic development loans and grants cleared a committee in the Republican-controlled House last night over Democrats’ objections.
Balsam Township Democrat Tom Anzelc told his GOP colleagues, “You should not take our property tax money, unless you intend on taking Burns Township’s, Minnetonka’s and Anoka County’s as well.” Republican Tom Hackbarth from Cedar responded, “This is the only state agency that has no legislative oversight whatsoever — none.” Hackbarth points to a legislative auditor’s report that found the IRRRB did not adequately oversee its economic development loans and grants.
It’s unlikely the measure would clear the Democrat-controlled Minnesota Senate.