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Both of the Ely area’s representatives in St. Paul have been honored by organizations that represent Minnesota cities.
State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D-Hermantown) and State Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) were both named Legislators of Distinction by the League of Minnesota Cities, while Hauschild got the same honor from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.
Both groups lobby on behalf of cities, including Ely, in St. Paul, and the LMC annually recognizes state lawmakers “in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban residents across Minnesota.”
To be eligible for the award, legislators must achieve one or more of the following criteria:
• Be generally and reasonably accessible to League representatives;
• Seek input on issues of importance to cities;
•Listen to League concerns and be receptive to League-provided information on issues;
•Sponsor and/or support League initiatives;
• Speak out on behalf of the interest of cities;
• Demonstrate the importance of partnership between the state and cities.
“As a former mayor, it is a tremendous honor to be recognized by an organization that does such important work for Minnesota’s cities and understands their needs when working with us in St. Paul,” said Skraba. “I know how important it is for our cities to have a voice in St. Paul.”
In a news release issued this week, Hauschild also noted his previous stint as a council member in Hermantown and the importance of bringing rural voices to the state capitol.
“Because I represent the most rural senate district in the State of Minnesota, I believe it’s my duty to properly represent our small cities and towns across our state,” said Hauschild. “I know firsthand as a former city councilor how critical the work of our local governments are because they’re often the first point of contact our citizens have with their government. It’s vital that we enact policies that help Minnesota cities and small towns do their work, and I’m honored to be recognized by these groups for the work I did to advance our shared goals in the 2024 legislative session.”
While in opposing parties, Skraba and Hauschild worked together often in St. Paul to secure funding or support initiatives that aided the Ely area.
That included work on rural emergency medical services and the “Iron Range” bonding bill that brought over $80 million in improvements for cities throughout Northeastern Minnesota.
“Sen. Hauschild’s steadfast advocacy has proven himself a true champion for Greater Minnesota. As Chief Author of the EMS bill in the Senate, Sen. Hauschild was a driving force for pushing the EMS legislation across the finish line,” said CGMC President and St. Joseph Mayor Rick Schultz. “His energy and diligent work throughout the session was critical to its success, delivering much-needed aid to Greater Minnesota communities.”
The LMC lauded Skraba for “regularly checking in with League staff to identify and understand city perspectives. He made himself readily available to discuss cities’ concerns, consistently worked to get those issues addressed, and supported efforts to craft workable legislative solutions—often drawing on and referring to his experience as a city official.”
Award winners received a letter of appreciation and a certificate. A copy of the acknowledgment letter was also sent to the mayor of each city in the legislator’s district.
The League of Minnesota Cities serves its more than 830 members through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services.
