Copper and canoes, health care and affordability. Skraba, Kania debate the issues in Minnesota House District 3A

It’s said that in Northern Minnesota, it can be hard to tell the difference between a Republican and a Democrat.

That was evident during a forum Sept. 2 for the candidates running to represent Minnesota House District 3A. It is the largest house district in the state, spanning the international border from Lake Superior to International Falls. Incumbent Republican Roger Skraba flipped the seat red in 2022. His Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) challenger is Aaron Kania, a retired U.S. Forest Service district ranger. They agreed on some of the most controversial issues facing their district but found some areas to disagree.

Skraba, Kania on copper mining near the BWCA

Both candidates were supportive of a proposed copper and nickel mine next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a pristine wilderness beloved by Minnesotans. Opponents claim mining will contaminate the waters of the BWCA.

DFLer Kania approved a permit for the mine when he worked for the federal government. He said there can be a balance between bringing back jobs and protecting the wilderness. The key, said Kania, is to follow the law, consult with the community and be transparent.

Republican Skraba also supported the mine. He toured similar projects in other states and believes it can be done safely here.

The Twin Metals project was put on hold by the Biden administration when it cancelled mining leases in 2023. In April, Congress lifted the ban, but the project still faces a review process by state and federal officials that could last another decade.

Kania and Skraba say yes to data centers, but…

The candidates talked about AI data centers with a sense of inevitability. “We’re going to have to recognize there is a need,” Kania said. “How many people today have used AI or some sort of large data set? We need to work together to solve this problem.”

Both said it was important that local residents have a say in the process and that the builders of data centers comply with regulations, permits and hire skilled local labor. Skraba said, “And if you can exceed it or make it, then it’s allowable. But if you can’t, then it’s not.” Kania added those rules need to be updated and consumers should be protected from rate hikes.

“No tax breaks for billionaires,” he added, “They don’t need it.”

Medicaid funding freeze and rural health care

Earlier this year, the Trump administration said it would withhold about $500 million in Medicaid funds from Minnesota and warned the amount could top $3.1 billion, unless the state did a better job to prevent fraud. But health officials warn the freeze could cause serious financial harm to the healthcare system, especially in rural areas. About one in five people who live in District 3A are on Medicaid.

Kania says one of the area’s health care providers warned him that 1,000 people will lose coverage which in turn will drive up prices.

“People in this room,” he said to the audience, “will not have health coverage. So that means nothing preventative and everything starts looking like an emergency. You’re going to end up in the emergency room and that’s the most expensive type of healthcare we can possibly have.”

Skraba laid the blame on state officials who don’t comply with the federal rules.

“The federal government says you need to do this and then you get the money. When you don’t do this, you don’t get the money. It’s not that hard to follow what the rules are,” said Skraba. “When we expect something for not complying, that’s wrong.”

The struggle for affordable housing

Like many parts of the country, people in Northern Minnesota struggle to find affordable places to live.

Skraba serves on the Housing Committee in the legislature and is proud of the work they’ve done to build more homes. “We got $65 million for housing. We put $4 million in workforce housing in Ely,” he said, highlighting the town where he served four terms as mayor. “We have 37 units coming here right now. It’s something we are very passionate about.”

Kania said local officials need help from the state to ease the permitting process and get more homes built. But ultimately, he said, it comes down to better jobs.

“Ultimately, it’s jobs that are bringing people into the area. It’s jobs that are buying houses, jobs that are providing the income that we need,” said Kania.

Support for immigrants

So far, the district has seen little of the ICE immigration raids that traumatized other parts of Minnesota. Kania said it was important to protect everyone’s constitutional rights and reminded the audience they were either immigrants, or came from immigrant families.

“I think people need help. They need help with legal representation and that legal representation will help hold the federal government accountable,” said Kania. Later he added, “Let’s be human. Let’s honor each other. Let’s respect each other. That’s what we all need.”

Skraba stressed the need to help immigrants who are here without documentation.

“I think the fundamental question needs to be answered. Why aren’t you legal? Is there a path we can get you to so you’re not illegal? I believe we can all work together to help the people that are … that have violated the law to get here and let’s work. If they’re working in our communities, why aren’t we helping them get that status?”

The forum was held at the Ely Vermillion Campus on Sept. 2 and hosted by the local chapters of the American Association of University Women and the Rotary Club. Video of the debate is embedded below.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Absentee voting is already underway, and ballots must be returned by Election Day to count. Voters can find drop-off locations, return deadlines and a ballot tracker through the Minnesota Secretary of State.