Rep. Craig Leads Bipartisan Bill to Address Health Care Staffing Shortages, Improve Minnesotans’ Access to Care

February 4, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (D-MN), Andew Garbarino (R-NY), Kim Schrier (D-WA) and David Valadao (R-CA) are leading a bipartisan bill to improve Minnesotans’ access to health care by addressing primary care workforce shortages and creating career opportunities in rural and underserved communities. The Health Care Workforce Innovation Act would expand partnerships between local Community Health Centers and Rural Health Clinics by supporting locally run apprenticeship programs, career laddering pathways and preceptorship models that help young people and early career allied health professionals build careers in the health care sector. “Improving access to care in rural and underserved communities starts with developing top-notch health care professionals right here at home,” said Rep. Craig. “I'm proud to have worked on this bipartisan legislation to recruit, train and retain allied health workers and ensure that folks in every corner of Minnesota’s Second District have access to quality health care.” Rep. Craig has led the effort to recruit and retain health care providers in Minnesota’s Second District and lower health care costs for every Minnesotan. She has worked closely with her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, local health leaders and community members to reduce the cost of health insurance, including premiums and out-pocket costs while implementing long-term solutions to improve the quality of care in Minnesota’s rural communities. The Healthcare Workforce Innovation Act is endorsed by the National Association of Community Health Centers, National Rural Health Association, National Network for Oral Health Access, Mental Health America, Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers and others. ### Issues : Making Health Care More Affordable