Expanding Rural Telehealth

I had the opportunity to visit with Avel eCare and Southwest EMS to see how technology is helping rural communities access quality care. While in Ortonville, local EMS providers shared how telehealth has helped them respond to emergencies while keeping more patients closer to home.

We also discussed where this technology is going and how we can expand treatment-in-place services so EMS can safely treat patients at home, in care facilities, or at schools when a hospital trip isn't necessary. Southwest EMS reported that 94% of its roughly 30,000 patient encounters in 2025 were treated in place without a transfer. Unfortunately, Medicare does not currently reimburse EMS for many of these services when a patient is not transported. I will continue working on ways to modernize reimbursement so rural EMS can be paid for the care they actually provide.

Hearing from Lac qui Parle County Leaders

I met with Lac qui Parle County officials and local law enforcement in Madison to hear directly about the challenges facing rural counties, including SNAP administration, federal grant requirements, and mental health services and placement options. We also toured the county’s new law enforcement center and heard how the facility is improving operations for the Sheriff’s Office, dispatch, and jail. I always appreciate hearing directly from our local leaders on what they're seeing in our communities!

Supporting Sugarbeet Growers

I visited the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative in Renville to hear directly about the challenges facing sugarbeet growers and the long-term health of the domestic sugar industry. Our conversation focused on rising fuel and input costs, consecutive years of crop losses, weed resistance, and the difficulty American producers face competing with lower-cost foreign sugar.

We also discussed the need for additional assistance for producers facing past crop losses and potential weather-related aid in future legislation. Growers made it clear that temporary assistance is helpful, but they need a long-term solution to address the challenges created by foreign competition and an oversupplied U.S. sugar market.

Building a Stronger Rural Workforce

I joined local employers, educators, and community leaders in Willmar for a conversation on strengthening Western Minnesota's rural workforce. We discussed the importance of connecting Minnesotans with opportunities to earn credentials while gaining hands-on work experience through Minnesota’s Dual Training Pipeline.

Programs like these help employers train workers for in-demand careers in fields like advanced manufacturing while allowing employees to earn an industry-recognized credential. Rural communities need a workforce pipeline that works for both employers and families, which means making it easier for people to gain the skills they need while ensuring communities have the housing and childcare needed to attract and retain workers.

Mobile Office Hours

My office will hold mobile office hours in Windom on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cottonwood County Law Enforcement Center. 

This is an opportunity for you to connect with my office, share your comments or concerns on policies, and ask questions. They can also help you with any issues you might be having with a federal agency. For questions regarding the mobile office hours, please contact my office at 320-403-6100.

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