Rep. Zeleznikar Welcomes Local Testifiers for Trio of Bills in Workforce Development Finance and Policy Committee
Saint Paul, MN — April 3, 2024, Representative Natalie Zeleznikar (R – Fredenberg Township) presented three bills in the Workforce Development Finance and Policy Committee to address critical needs in the community. The package of bills addresses training needs for Lake County Ambulance, IT career planning, and grants for career and technical training. Each of these bills offers high school students’ opportunities to expand their skillset as they approach entering the workforce into lucrative and highly needed fields.
“Students want to see a pathway to success that fits their goals and values. These career and technical training programs make those pathways accessible while filling the troubling gaps in our workforce,” said Rep. Zeleznikar on her legislation. “Respected, well-paying jobs are the key to keeping our communities prosperous for generations to come. I look forward to all of the stories of families and success that will result from students being empowered to build a life for themselves thanks to quality education.”
Randy Strohmeyer, Executive Director, testified on the $100,000 grant request to establish a program for Lake County and Cook County high school students interested in pursuing careers as an emergency medical technician (EMT). From 2018 – 2021, Minnesota lost 4,506 EMT’s. This program would offer high school students the opportunity to have free tuition and a free student internship in their 11th and 12th grade years.
Ambulance services are a valid concern for Greater Minnesota, and Northeastern Minnesota is no exception. Rep. Zeleznikar is on the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) task force and has visited communities across the state to listen to the issues. One thing is for sure, we need to pivot to meaningful programs now.
Rep. Zeleznikar benefited from health occupations classes in high school in the 80’s. This opportunity created an interest in becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and then a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Rep. Zeleznikar believes high school programs are critical to ensure opportunities for job shadowing, curriculum, and mentoring are key components to a pipeline of employees for greater Minnesota.
“The reality is that all great ideas come from those who do the job. This was a local idea, and it was well thought out with a meaningful pathway for implementation. Two Harbors and Lake County have strong partnerships with Lakeview Hospital, Lake County Commissioners, Chamber of Commerce, City Councilors, Mayor, Lake County Ambulance, and Lake Superior School District. When communities work together, great things happen.”
Rep. Zeleznikar is optimistic that this idea will be funded and become a great NE Minnesota pilot project to hopefully implement in other communities as well.
