Posted: Monday, January 27, 2014 2:39 pm

Heather J. Carlson, hcarlson@postbulletin.com

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced Monday that Mayo Clinic President and CEO Dr. John Noseworthy would be her guest at President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Her decision to invite Noseworthy comes as she released a report showing that the U.S. will need 1 million more workers in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (or STEM) within the next decade. In a news release, Klobuchar cited Mayo Clinic's unique workforce training partnerships in Rochester focused on matching students' skills to good jobs.

"From cutting-edge research to creative workforce training partnerships, Mayo embodies the innovative spirit that defines Minnesota and that helps drive our economy forward," Klobuchar said in a statement. "Dr. Noseworthy's attendance at the State of the Union will shine a spotlight on the pioneering work being done at Mayo and underscore the need to invest in innovation and research, STEM education, and workforce training."

In a statement, Noseworthy thanked Klobuchar for her invitation.

"For 150 years, Mayo Clinic has been committed to putting the needs of our patients first, and we will continue our work with legislators and regulators to share our ideas and promote the interests ofpatients, research and medical education," Noseworthy said.

Klobuchar recently teamed up with Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) to author the Innovate America Cat, which would fund 100 new STEM schools and support scientific research.

Other members of Minnesota's congressional delegation have already announced their State of the Union guests. First District DFL Rep. Tim Walz will host Owatonna Mayor Tom Kuntz and 2nd District GOP Rep John Kline has invited Keith Anderson, vice chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. U.S. Sen. Al Franken's guest will be Erick Ajax, vice president and co-owner of Minneapolis-based E.J. Ajax and Sons.

President Obama is expected to begin his State of the Union remarks at 8 p.m. Tuesday.