MN SF4134

Creates additional unemployment benefits for workers laid off between January 15, 2026, and March 15, 2026, from iron ore mining employers that cut 50% or more of their workforce, or from explosive manufacturing companies serving those mining employers

Provides up to 26 weeks of additional unemployment benefits at the same weekly rate as regular benefits, available through the week ending March 19, 2027

Requires applicants to have exhausted regular unemployment benefits and have at least 50% of wage credits from a qualifying employer

Additional benefits paid under this program will not increase unemployment tax rates for most employers, except for the iron ore mining employers that conducted the layoffs

Applicants receiving federal Trade Readjustment Allowance benefits are ineligible; effective retroactively from January 15, 2026