Wilhelm calls for special session to preserve Iowa Workforce Centers

Iowa Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco is calling for a special legislative session to override Governor Branstad's line-item veto of legislation prohibiting the closure of Workforce Offices.

"The Workforce Offices in New Hampton and Charles City assist unemployed Iowans who are searching for jobs, preparing for interviews and improving their skills, while also helping businesses find qualified employees," said Wilhelm. "It's outrageous that Governor Branstad would shut the doors at a time when more than 100,000 Iowans are out of work."

Governor Branstad line-item vetoed language in Senate File 517 that required the state to maintain the current number of Workforce Development field offices. In his veto message, the Governor said he intends to proceed with his plan to close at least 36 Workforce Offices around the state, including the offices in New Hampton and Charles City, and replace them with library kiosks.

According to the most recent data provided by Iowa Workforce Development, the unemployment rate in Chickasaw County is 6.3%. The unemployment rate in Floyd County is 6.4%.