The workforce shortage exists everywhere in the state, but it is especially acute in Greater Minnesota. One way to reduce that shortage is to have affordable child care available to parents so they can return to the workforce, says Rep. Jeff Brand (DFL-St. Peter).

But he said the low population density in Greater Minnesota makes it very difficult for child care centers to be economically viable, resulting in a shortage of 42,000 child care slots in rural areas. Read more.