Travels Around the Seventh District
Last week, I got to spend time meeting with businesses and constituents across southern Minnesota.
I met with staff and patients at Ortonville Area Health Services. Their hospital still offers labor and delivery services, something that is becoming increasingly rare in our rural hospitals. They are also one of the many providers who could be negatively affected if Biden's nursing staff ratio mandate were to go into effect. I introduced legislation that was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill would keep that from happening.
I enjoyed touring PURIS in Dawson, where we discussed a number of issues including the lack of childcare in the area, which makes it difficult for families to make the move to call our wonderful rural communities home. The increased Child Tax Credits in the One Big Beautiful Bill would help these families, and my bill, the Investing in Rural America Act, would drive private investment for things like childcare and community centers in areas like Dawson.
I met with the Granite Falls Chamber of Commerce and talked with local business owners about the Farm Bill, the potential impacts of tariffs, and the work we are doing in the federal government to eliminate the Death Tax so family farms can pass their life's work down to the next generation.
At the Lake Benton Chamber of Commerce, we discussed a number of issues facing the area and how beneficial community development block grants have been as they upgrade their water, sewer, and highways.
I went to Pipestone to tour their JBS facility, which employs over 200 people who source livestock from 475 producers throughout the area. It was great to see the impact this business has on their area from their product to their investments in community facilities like soccer fields, pickleball courts, and concession stands.
Slayton is another community struggling with childcare, with only one center in the county that is at risk of closing. I understand how the loss of childcare can be devastating for families, businesses, and entire communities, and I am committed to doing everything I can to find solutions at the federal level.
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