Proposed North Dakota immigration office aimed at improving workforce development

(Fargo, ND) -- North Dakota's Senate Majority Leader says lawmakers are making progress on their number one issue of developing the workforce. 

"We've done a number of things to try to address it starting with the creation of a new standing committee for workforce development issues. We've got that committee, is loaded down with a number of bills that are trying to address workforce shortage with everything from dealing with professional licensing boards, daycare," said Hogue.   

Hogue also says the senate is taking steps to establish an immigration office to help facilitate legal immigrants to come to North Dakota to assist small employers by filling open positions. 

Hogue says lawmakers are keeping a "laser focus" on workforce development issues.

He provided the legislative update while speaking with WDAY News First.