Congressman Visits St. Cloud VA To Discuss Worker Shortage

(KNSI) – A United States congressman visited St. Cloud on Thursday to talk about taking care of our nation’s bravest after they leave the armed forces.

Representative Tom Emmer (Left) met privately with St. Cloud VA Health Care System Executive Director Brent Thelen and the center’s staff. Thelen spoke with KNSI News moments after the meeting. “We had a chance to talk about the great stuff that’s going on here and shared some struggles that we had during COVID. And we were able to exchange freely what’s happening here. He [Emmer] took a lot of great notes and plans on doing some things for us. Anything he could do for us, it’s going to be great. Better for the veterans.”

Thelen says their biggest issue is finding workers. Congressman Emmer says that’s something he wants to help with because the country has made a promise to veterans. “The VA has a unique clientele that we’ve made a commitment to serve. So, our job, if anything, is hopefully to bring more attention to the great people that are here, the great work that they’re doing, and the great mission that they have, which is taking care of the men and women who have protected our freedoms here at home and around the world.”

He says the VA’s problem isn’t unique to just St. Cloud, it’s nationwide. The Congressman says he will look for ways to fill the VA’s ranks, including creating more opportunities for area residents to work at the VA and establishing a program for people under 18 to find a job at the VA. He also suggests getting more financial incentives so salaries can keep up with inflation. Officials say it will take a combination of federal and local help to make it happen.

Emmer says the VA is a huge asset to the community. “People should pay more attention to the VA here in St. Cloud. It is a jewel of central Minnesota that we’re very fortunate to have. We need to celebrate it. We need to support it. We need to make sure that it not only survives but continues to thrive.”

The St. Cloud VA is holding a job fair on Saturday. For more information, click here.

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