Ernst Discusses Obstacles Faced by Rural Businesses
“I routinely hear from businesses... their growth is constrained by workforce limitations. The jobs are there, they exist, but it’s increasingly hard to find those qualified applicants.”
| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, attended a hearing entitled “The Challenges and Opportunities of Running a Small Business in Rural America,” to address issues Iowa employers have discussed with her while on her 99 county tour. Senator Ernst questioned John Lettieri, Co-Founder and Senior Director for Policy and Strategy at Economic Innovation Group, on how to address the workforce challenges experienced by Iowa employers. Mr. Lettieri emphasized the need for cooperation between local government, the private sector, and educational institutions to ensure that the skills taught locally match the job opportunities available in our communities. Senator Ernst also stressed the importance of reliable internet access for rural communities and their small businesses, noting that this issue must be addressed in any potential infrastructure package. Click here or on the image below to watch Senator Ernst’s questioning. |
