The supply chain, affordable housing, enhanced broadband service, and spurring industrial development were among the questions from area business leaders for Senator Chuck Grassley ( R ) after he toured the Winnebago Industries facilities in Charles City Thursday.
Not only do companies like Zoetis, Cambrex and Winnebago look to fill positions in Charles City, they’re also often in competition with each other for workers with similar skills. Grassley says another factor in worker shortage is that the country is still rebounding from the extra federal unemployment payments throughout much of 2020 and 2021.
The federal jobless assistance ended September 11th, but Grassley says states like Iowa that ended the federal assistance sooner have seen a better return of people to the workforce.
During his Winnebago tour in Charles City, Grassley says one of his highlights was driving one of their latest product lines.
Grassley added that issues with the supply chain will continue throughout 2022, but he’s also seen signs that it’s slowly improving.
The Iowa Republican followed his Charles City stop Thursday by hosting a 99-county tour town meeting for Chickasaw County at the Chickasaw Wellness Complex in New Hampton.
