HUMBOLDT — Sen. Jerry Moran, speaking to a regional development group on Wednesday, said company leaders often lament a shortage of workers. Plant managers and owners tell him “if we could find more people to work, we’d add 100 today.”
Jim Zaleski, economic development director for Parsons, offered a suggestion: “Could you follow that up with ‘What is your child care policy?’”
Child care availability and housing are two of the biggest challenges in attracting and retaining employees, members of SEK Inc. told Moran. The group is an alliance of business leaders from 12 counties in Southeast Kansas focused on growing jobs in the region. The senator spoke at the meeting at Monarch Cement Co. in Humboldt between stops at Neosho County Community College and Allen Community College.
Jeri Hammerschmidt with SEK Inc. said, “The reason the focus has shifted is because we can recruit people all day long but if they don’t have a bed and they don’t have daycare they won’t come work for you. It’s easier to change your job than to find a house.”
Even though economic development leaders have identified child care and housing as barriers to employment, companies often aren’t doing enough to solve the problem, Zaleski and others told Moran.
The federal government shifted grants, mostly from COVID relief money, to states like Kansas to address those issues in recent years but it’s not enough, Kandy Rushing, who owns preschools in Iola and Parsons, added. She has given presentations at hospitals and factories, offering resources and suggestions for daycare programs. Some say they don’t have a need, even with a majority female workforce. Others may recognize the need but don’t take action.
“So there’s a lot going on, but we are surprised we haven’t already moved the mark with some of our big corporations. I think it just takes one to say yes and more will follow,” Rushing said.
SEK Inc. is planning a childcare conference in October in Pittsburg, and a housing conference in November in Chanute.
Moran asked how local community colleges were working on Career and Technical Education programs to address those needs. It’s also a challenge to train employees in early childhood care and development.
“It’s a good point,” Moran said. “The next time somebody tells me they could hire more people, I’ll ask, ‘What are you doing about solving the problem?’ I’ve usually asked about their relationship with a community college or technical college and if they are working together. The answer is usually yes, although I’m surprised from time to time when they say, ‘No, I’ve never thought about it.’”
MORAN ALSO spoke to the group about CTE programs and briefly discussed legislative priorities. Political divisions and in-fighitng has made it challenging “to get our basic work done,” especially for appropriations. Congress also needs to reauthorize the Farm Bill.
“Just the nuts and bolts of governing, with the country and the Congress so divided, it’s hard to find common ground,” he said.
He answered questions on topics related to rural development, including discussion on a bill he has sponsored that aims to help community banks expand credit for home ownership in rural areas.
