Congressman Tim Walz announced that he is dispatching his staff across southern Minnesota Monday through Wednesday to hear from constituents regarding hot topics like health insurance reform and to assist individuals who are having problems with federal programs.

Staff members will be in Austin Tuesday from 12:30 to 2 p.m.

at the Austin Municipal Building Conference Room, 500 Fourth Ave. N.E.

“The many challenges facing our nation have kept Congress in session an unprecedented amount of time this year, “ Walz said. “Because this requires me to be in Washington DC more than previous years, I’ve asked my staff to make extra efforts to reach individuals and families across our district to hear that concerns and help with their problems. I’ll be listening closely to the feedback from these mobile office stops as I consider how to vote on health insurance reform and other important issues.”

Walz’s staff will make mobile office stops in 20 of the 22 counties represented by Walz. Walz has permanent offices in Blue Earth and Olmsted counties, which are open week days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.

Congressman Walz can often help resolve issues between a constituent and a federal agency or program such as Social Security, VA, Medicare, USCIS, USDA and issues related to foreclosures and the financial crisis.

Appointments can be made to meet with Walz staff by calling (507) 388-2149. Walk-ins are also welcome.