Latest Releases
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and Rep. Michelle Fischbach Announce Grant for Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls
MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and Representative Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07) announced a grant from the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (VCGP) for the expansion of the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. The cemetery serves more than 59,000 Veterans and their eligible family members and the $1,368,100 grant will fund 1,080 columbarium vaults, update landscaping, and improve irrigation. “It’s on all of us to remember fallen service members and to honor their memories,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will go towards upgrading the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls so families can continue to have a peaceful and dignified place to pay their respects.” “The servicemembers who make such enormous sacrifices for our country deserve our utmost respect,” said Senator Smith. “This grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs will make much-needed improvements to the final resting place for thousands of veterans from our state so they can rest with the honor they deserve.” “This grant is going to mean so much to the thousands of veterans and their families who are laid to rest or paying respects to loved ones in Little Falls,” said Rep. Fischbach. “We can never thank our veterans enough, but this is one small way to show our gratitude for the sacrifices so many have made for this nation.” Part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the VCGP has provided more than $1 billion to establish, expand, improve, and maintain 122 state, territorial and tribal Veterans cemeteries since its inception in 1978. ###
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber, and Entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation Introduce Bill Naming Pengilly Post Office in Honor of First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) announced new legislation to rename the Pengilly Post Office after First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski, a Pengilly resident who was killed in action at age 25 during the Vietnam War. First Lieutenant Koski was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star, Silver Star, and First Oak Leaf Cluster for battlefield valor. Pengilly resident Brian Walker, who was saved from drowning when he was a child by First Lieutenant Koski, worked with Klobuchar on the naming effort. Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN-08), along with Representatives Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Dean Phillips (D-MN-03), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Tom Emmer (R-MN-06), and Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. “First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski has long been admired in Pengilly for his heroic actions both before and during his military service,” said Klobuchar. “By naming the Pengilly Post Office in his honor, we are paying tribute to his sacrifice and keeping his memory alive for generations to come.” “Lieutenant Koski was an American hero who we are proud to call Minnesotan,” said Smith. “He is remembered by those who knew him as a man of bravery and decency and has been recognized for his selfless service in the Vietnam War. By naming the Pengilly Post Office after him, we hope this building will serve as a reminder of his service to Minnesota and the United States.” “First Lieutenant Richard A. Koski is an American
Sen. Tina Smith Secures Significant Federal Funding for Mental Health Center in Winona
WASHINGTON [3.18.22] – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced that she has secured $136,000 in federal funding to deliver much-needed facility renovations and provide necessary equipment to the Hiawatha Mental Health Center in Winona. These improvements will help expand mental health and substance use care to more residents, particularly those in underserved communities. “We need to start treating mental health with the same urgency we treat physical health, and that starts with making sure everyone has access to the care they need,” said Senator Smith. “I’m proud of our work to secure this funding, which will help more Minnesotans, particularly
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Strengthen Bemidji Wastewater Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $4.4 million in federal funding to strengthen wastewater infrastructure in Bemidji. Specifically, the funding will enable the Bemidji Wastewater Treatment Facility to conduct much-needed infrastructure repairs, expand capacity to boost operational efficiency, and ensure that the facility is able to meet treatment demand. “Updating wastewater infrastructure is essential to ensuring the health and safety of our communities. This funding will make a real difference for Bemidji, enabling critical improvements to the city’s water treatment facilities,” said Klobuchar. “I’m proud to have worked with local
Klobuchar, Smith Secure Significant Federal Funding to Strengthen Affordable Childcare Access, Support Workforce in Fosston
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced that they have secured $418,000 in federal funding to strengthen access to affordable childcare and support the workforce in Fosston. This funding will be used to remodel the future Prairie Pines Childcare Center. “For far too many parents in Fosston and across our state, the struggle to find high-quality childcare is a barrier to joining the workforce,” said Klobuchar. “By increasing access to affordable childcare in Fosston, this funding will address this urgent issue. I’m proud to have worked with local leaders to secure these resources and support
Klobuchar, Smith, Stauber Secure Significant Federal Funding for Agricultural Workforce Development in the Central Lakes Region
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Representative Pete Stauber (R-MN) announced that they have secured $2 million in federal funding for meat processing workforce development in the Central Lakes region. Specifically, this funding will facilitate an increase in meat cutting and butchery career pathways for students by enabling the Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center to expand its training facilities and purchase new processing equipment at Central Lakes College in Staples. “A healthy meat processing industry is critical to the economic success of Central Minnesota,” said Klobuchar. “This funding will help diversify local meat processing
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