Klobuchar seeks input from southwest Minnesota mayors

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar hosted a conference call Friday with southwestern Minnesota mayors from Luverne, Marshall, Pipestone and Worthington.
During the informal phone conversation, Klobuchar offered updates on legislative developments in Washington, D.C., and asked the mayors to brief her on the current economic state of their communities.
“Joe Biden is committed to another (economic relief) package, and I want to hear what you think is most helpful and what’s needed in your communities,” she said.
In addition to Luverne Mayor Pat Baustian, the call included Pipestone Mayor Myron Koets, Worthington Mayor Mike Kuhle, Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes and several members of local media.
They talked about ways to help local businesses suffering in the pandemic economy, especially on the borders of Iowa and South Dakota where bars and restaurants weren’t closed.
Klobuchar outlined the latest round of federal aid targeted to individuals and families, extension of unemployment benefits, targeted relief for businesses and help for people at risk of losing their homes.
The mayors talked about ways their cities are helping those who need it, but they all agreed the economy won’t turn around until COVID-19 is halted by the vaccine.
“We know the vaccine is out there, and I keep saying that the vaccine can’t be parachuted to the middle of Luverne,” Klobuchar said. “I keep using Luverne as an example with national media because I’m trying to make the point poignantly that it’s a lot different in rural America than it is in urban areas.”
She said that’s especially true of the Pfizer vaccine that needs to be transported in ultra cold storage, and not all rural areas have access to the right equipment that preserves the vaccine.
“The point is we have to make sure the vaccine gets to everyone, and I know that we just put a bunch of money into vaccine distribution. But we also have to make sure the economy is ready to rebound as soon as the vaccinations are done.”
The mayors also were in agreement that the vaccine rollout hasn’t gone well on a national level.
“I’m still looking for the parachute of vaccine,” Baustian said.
“Getting the vaccine out quicker has to happen. They’ve had plenty of time to do that. As a world power we’ve had plenty of time to devise a plan. It’s about logistics. Big companies do that every day, but I think they’re failing miserably.”
While front-line hospital workers and residents of some nursing homes in the region have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, other vulnerable residents have yet to get theirs.
“The high-risk populations we’re looking at, the elderly and those in nursing homes and congregate care, most of the private populations haven’t received it,” Baustian said. “And that’s just not acceptable.”
During Friday’s call, Klobuchar briefly commented on the violence in Washington on Jan. 6, when a mob of protesters stormed into the Capitol.
“I was horrified by what happened,” she said, but added that senators later came together in support of the nation.
“It was one of those moments when people decided their country was bigger than their party. … If people didn’t cherish their democracy before, after all this they’ll never forget it.”