U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar stopped by Bernie’s in East Grand Forks to talk about workforce shortages…child care…and housing with Mayor Steve Gander and owner Molly Yeh.

Klobuchar told those in attendance that she has spent the past few days visiting northwest Minnesota where she has witnessed the common theme of vibrant communities with low unemployment rates.  She says while that’s good in many ways it also illustrates the need for more workers.  “For years now some because of the pandemic and some because of policies it’s been hard for people to come in with work permits from other countries.  This is especially hurting us in the ag area…tourism…manufacturing…health care technology…and service industry.”

The Minnesota Democrat says one way to alleviate the workforce shortage is to find practical ways to bring in more people – including through immigration reform.  That could include such things as lifting caps on visas…vetting people more quickly….and granting more work permits.

During the visit Klobuchar sampled several food items and thanked Yeh for bringing “incredible attention to the area.”

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