As political divides seemingly deepen at state and federal levels, participants at a meeting in Ely joked they were all part of the same party.
The Ranger Party. Democrats, Republicans and non-partisan officials all seemed to be wearing the same political hat Monday, as they united around numerous local-centric issues during the annual legislative meeting put on the by the Ely area’s Community Economic Development Joint Powers Board.
About 35 participants took part in the annual event, representing an assortment of local units of government along with area organizations.
They were joined at the table by the area’s two state legislators - State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D-Hermantown) and State Rep. Roger Skraba (R-Ely) - along with county commissioners and Congressional aides.
Cooperation reigned and one observer - county commissioner Mike Jugovich - said that extended to the work in St. Paul done in the last three years by Hauschild and Skraba.
It was Jugovich who coined the term “Ranger Party” early in the meeting and it stuck throughout the two-hour gathering.
“When you guys work together, we are strong,” Jugovich told the legislators. “The two local legislators who are sitting before us today, they both deliver and they both work together. You’re the shining stars, so to speak.”
Hauschild acknowledged his cooperative efforts with Skraba as well as other northeastern Minnesota legislators, highlighting bipartisan efforts to address issues ranging from ambulance and nursing home funding to permitting reform.
“It’s putting northern Minnesota first,” said Hauschild. “I think there are a plethora of things really unique to northern Minnesota. I make the argument over and over again we are the best part of Minnesota. We are the gem of Minnesota. It comes with opportunities and unique challenges, but we deserve our fair share.”
Skraba said that legislators from northern Minnesota have worked together, regardless of party affiliation to benefit the region. He noted that the group now includes eight lawmakers between the House and Senate who represent a region that extends from the Iron Range to Brainerd.
“If the eight of us work together as a team we can dictate some of this stuff - if there’s money available to do it,” said Skraba.
Skraba also said he believed that having representation on both sides of the aisle, in sharp contrast to decades ago when the region was only represented by Democrats, has made a difference.
“What we learned from the trifecta is it’s not healthy for anyone,” said Skraba. “There has to be a way to disseminate that power. We do have power if we stick together.”
But Skraba also indicated that northern Minnesota legislators face hurdles in the form of being outnumbered by Twin Cities area legislators.
“They’re like a Pac-Man, taking extra money wherever they can and they have the votes to do it,” said Skraba. “Sometimes we’re thankful to get any thing.”
Both Hauschild and Skraba looked back at the 2025 session and ahead to the ’26 session that begins next month.
Hauschild spoke of unfinished business, including efforts to complete permitting reform and bring seasonal recreational property taxes back to local school districts.
“I have made that my number one issue on the tax committee,” said Hauschild, who will also serve as assistant majority leader in the Senate. “I’m trying to advance a formula that gives back to schools like the Ely district.”
Both Skraba and State Rep. Spencer Igo (R-Grand Rapids are backing similar legislation in the House, and Hauschild said “I think we have a lot of momentum in getting that bill across the finish line.”
Paul Peltier, executive director of the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools, endorsed the effort to reverse a measure passed in the early-2000s, which sends seasonal recreational tax dollars to St. Paul instead of local schools.
“In Ely that would be a 38 percent reduction in the tax levy for the school, or 38 percent more dollars that’s being sent to the state,” said Peltier. “It’s being generated here and sent to the metro. It belongs here, it’s generated here and it’s a crime it’s not being used in this district.”
Hauschild also spoke of the ongoing effort to enact permitting reform and spur area mining initiatives.
“It’s something I have really championed,” said Hauschild, who touted bipartisan support. “It will make a huge difference in advancing projects. We’re also bringing together the Chamber of Commerce and the state’s building trades (union), who don’t always see eye to eye.”
Both Hauschild and Skraba also highlighted efforts to protect local government aid from the state chopping block.
“The last session we faced challenging budget decisions but we were able to protect every single aid that comes to northern Minnesota,” said Hauschild. “All of it was safely secured by both sides of the aisle having representation at the state capitol.”
Skraba acknowledged both the political and financial challenges that faced legislators last year and again in 2026.
He pointed to education and said his focus was on helping local school districts and state colleges such as Vermilion Community College in Ely, even if it comes at the expense of the University of Minnesota.
“I will stand with the state colleges and give the University of Minnesota a pass - that’s my allegiance,” said Skraba. “I want to make sure the first-time people that go to college, the people who can’t afford a four-year college, they go to the Minnesota state colleges. I’m going to keep them as whole as I can. I’m going to advocate for them and our local school districts.”
Skraba also noted the city of Ely’s attempts to get funding for its water line project (see related story), as well as economic development efforts and ongoing debate over funding for nursing homes.
“Our bonding projects, the water line, that’s a big deal,” said Skraba.
Patti Banks, chief executive officer at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, cited cooperation and collaboration in her remarks to the group and noted the common themes in Monday’s discussions.
“When we agree and collaborate and innovate our approach, we are stronger because of it,” said Banks.
Hauschild also sidestepped partisan divides in favor of the unified effort.
“Just know that you have a partner in me and Representative Skraba and other from the Iron Range delegation who are working hard for the issues that matter.”
